The Phillies were given some good news yesterday when Jesus Luzardo was cleared to start throwing in a possible return to the team in time for the playoffs.
All signs point to the Phillies treating Luzardo as a reliever to begin the postseason. When asked if the Phillies are entertaining either scenario — Luzardo as a starter or Luzardo as a reliever — Mattingly said, “Yes.”
It’s interesting that the team is considering doing this with Luzardo considering what he has meant to the rotation this year.
It does speak to the confidence they have in Aaron Nola continuing his late season resurgence and how that effectiveness would carry over into the playoffs. But with Luzardo possibly moving to the bullpen for the first round of the playoffs, the question about usage with him becomes noteworthy.
How would they even use him?
If it is the wild card round, does he only pitch in one game? They can’t possibly expect him to go back to back games at all during a three game series, especially when there is no off day at all in that round. Even then, when in a game is he deployed? Would he only be used before Duran? Is he used a fireman whenever there is trouble brewing? Is there a strict inning he can be used in? These are all interesting questions to consider.
