Struggling Phillies Pitcher Wants Starting Role in Postseason

The Philadelphia Phillies have already clinched the National League East and are trying to secure a bye through the first round of the postseason.

With how the postseason is structured, the Phillies would only need a three-man rotation for the National League Division Series. Jesús Luzardo could find himself in the rotation for the start of the postseason, which is exactly what he wants.

“It would be amazing for me,” Luzardo told The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. “I’ve always said whatever they need from me, I’ll do, whether it’s a bullpen or a starting job. But I feel like it would be awesome to be a part of that and to get a start in the postseason.”

According to Gelb, the Phillies are “leaning” toward using Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez and Luzardo as their rotation. However, Luzardo has not been quite that sharp lately.

He had a 2.15 ERA through his first 11 starts this season. Since then, he has had a 5.25 ERA. He has a 4.29 ERA this month. He looked better in his last start, but still managed to give up four earned runs.

The Phillies are trying to clinch the top seed in the National League, but trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 2 1/2 in the standings through Wednesday. Luzardo may be the Phillies’ best option considering how Aaron Nola has played this season, but he is far from a great one.

Zack Wheeler’s injury has put Luzardo in a position to start, and he wants to take the ball in the NLDS. However, Rob Thomson has yet to make a final decision on how the Phillies will approach the postseason rotation.

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