Jesús Luzardo

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Jesús Luzardo

| image = File:Jesus Luzardo 5.5.22.jpg

| caption = Luzardo with the Marlins in 2022

| image_size = 280

| team = Philadelphia Phillies

| number = 44

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|9|30}}

| birth_place = Lima, Peru

| bats = Left

| throws = Left

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = September 11

| debutyear = 2019

| debutteam = Oakland Athletics

| statleague = MLB

| statyear = April 20, 2025

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 28–34

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 4.17

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 595

| teams = * Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2021}})

Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2024}})
Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2025}}–present)

}}

Jesús Guillermo Luzardo (born September 30, 1997) is a Peruvian-born Venezuelan-American professional baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Oakland Athletics and Miami Marlins. He made his MLB debut in 2019. Luzardo represented the Venezuelan national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Early life

Luzardo was born on September 30, 1997 to Venezuelan parents in Lima, Perú.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/players/jesus-luzardo/917981/|publisher=SportsNet|access-date=June 16, 2017|title=Jesus Luzardo}} The family relocated to South Florida when Luzardo was one or two years old (sources differ), where he would attend Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, graduating in 2016.

Professional career

=Washington Nationals=

He was drafted in the third round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft by the Washington Nationals, making him the first Peru-born player drafted by an MLB team since at least 1990.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2016/06/20/nationals-third-round-draft-pick-jesus-luzardo-hopes-to-become-first-peruvian-born-big-leaguer/|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Nationals third-round draft pick Jesus Luzardo hopes to become first Peruvian-born big-leaguer|date=June 20, 2016|access-date=June 16, 2017|first=Chelsea|last=Janes}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/baseball/broward/sfl-douglas-lhp-jesus-luzardo-drafted-by-xxxxxx-20160609-story.html|title=Douglas LHP Jesus Luzardo drafted by Nationals in third round|first=David|last=Furones|publisher=Sun-Sentinel|date=June 9, 2016|access-date=May 4, 2018|archive-date=August 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820222146/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/baseball/broward/sfl-douglas-lhp-jesus-luzardo-drafted-by-xxxxxx-20160609-story.html|url-status=dead}}

Luzardo had torn his ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm and had undergone Tommy John surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews, in March 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/jesus-luzardo-undergoes-tommy-john-surgery/#IQBg7GZpAD3RvVK1.97|agency=Baseball America|title=JESUS LUZARDO HAS TOMMY JOHN SURGERY|first=Hudson|last=Belinsky|date=March 22, 2016|access-date=June 16, 2017}} Prior to the injury, Luzardo had been projected as a first round pick. The Nationals, who drafted him in the third round, were known for taking chances on players who had already undergone or needed to have Tommy John surgery, and committed to completing his rehabilitation. Luzardo forwent a commitment to the University of Miami to sign with the organization. Luzardo made his professional debut on June 28, 2017, with the GCL Nationals against the GCL Marlins, reportedly hitting {{convert|98|mph}} with his fastball.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/coachextra927/status/880110846294339584|publisher=twitter.com|title=@Baby_Jesus9 getting his first start today for the @Nationals|date=June 28, 2017|access-date=June 28, 2017|first=Coach|last=Taylor}}

=Oakland Athletics=

The Nationals traded Luzardo, Sheldon Neuse, and Blake Treinen to the Oakland Athletics on July 16, 2017, for Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson.{{cite web|url=http://m.athletics.mlb.com/news/article/242444386/nationals-acquire-doolittle-madson-from-as/?topicId=27118394|title=Nats acquire Doolittle, Madson from A's|work=MLB.com|date=July 16, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2017}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} After joining Oakland, he played for the Arizona League Athletics and the Vermont Lake Monsters. In 12 total games between the Nationals, Athletics, and Lake Monsters, he posted a 2–1 record with a 1.66 ERA with 48 strikeouts in {{frac|43|1|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=666200#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL|title=Jesus Luzardo Stats, Highlights, Bio|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=June 10, 2019}}

File:Jesus Luzardo (cropped).jpg]]

Luzardo was ranked among the top prospects in the minor leagues prior to 2018.{{cite web|last=Gallegos|first=Martin|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/03/06/as-pitching-prospect-leaves-bob-melvin-excited-about-the-future/|title=A's pitching prospect leaves Bob Melvin excited about the future|date=March 7, 2018|publisher=The Mercury News}} He started the season with the Stockton Ports and was promoted to the Double-A Midland RockHounds early on in the season.{{cite web|last=Lockard|first=Melissa|url=https://theathletic.com/325678/2018/04/23/down-on-the-farm-as-top-prospect-jesus-luzardo-is-movin-on-up-sean-murphy-stays-red-hot/|title=Down on the farm: A's top prospect Jesus Luzardo is movin'...|publisher=The Athletic|date=April 23, 2018|access-date=May 4, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Alex|url=https://www.athleticsnation.com/2018/4/24/17277396/oakland-as-prospect-watch-jesus-luzardo-high-a-stockton-parker-dunshee-greg-deichmann|title=A's prospect watch: Jesus Luzardo first member of High-A Stockton rotation to move up|publisher=SBNation|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=May 4, 2018}} He made his Triple-A debut with the Nashville Sounds on August 6.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-jesus-luzardo-solid-in-triple-a-debut/|title=Athletics' Jesus Luzardo: Solid in Triple-A debut|work=CBS Sports|date=August 7, 2018|access-date=August 9, 2018}} Across three levels in 2018, Luzardo combined for a 10–5 record with a 2.88 ERA and 129 strikeouts. His performance was recognized by being named to the Texas League's mid and post-season All-Star teams and being selected to participate in the All-Star Futures Game.

Entering 2019, Luzardo was in competition for a spot on the A's Opening Day roster. In {{frac|9|2|3}} innings over 4 spring starts, he held batters to 2 hits and 4 walks while striking out 15. A strained left rotator cuff late in spring training resulted in him being shut down and missing the start of the season.{{cite web|last=Bumbaca|first=Chris|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/oakland-athletics-jesus-luzardo-shut-down-with-shoulder-strain/c-305501950|title=A's Luzardo Shut Down With Shoulder Strain|publisher=MiLB.com|date=March 21, 2019|access-date=June 10, 2019}} On June 11, 2019, Luzardo returned to the mound with Class A-Advanced Stockton, and allowed one run over seven innings spanning two outings with 11 strikeouts before being promoted to the Triple A Las Vegas Aviators.{{cite web|last=Bloss|first=Joe|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/report-oakland-athletics-aj-puk-to-make-2019-debut-with-ports/c-307887884|title=Report: Puk to Make 2019 Debut With Ports|publisher=MiLB.com|date=June 8, 2019|access-date=June 10, 2019}} Unfortunately, he exited his third outing in Las Vegas with a lat strain, putting his plans to join the A's rotation on hold.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/athletics-top-prospect-jesus-luzardo-suffers-injury-setback/|title=Athletics top prospect Jesus Luzardo suffers injury setback|date=July 4, 2019|website=The San Francisco Examiner}}

The Athletics selected Luzardo's contract and promoted him to the major leagues on September 9, 2019.{{cite news|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/athletics/article/A-s-to-call-up-top-prospect-Jes-s-Luzardo-but-14423504.php?psid=dy7EZ|title=A's to call up top prospect Jesús Luzardo; Matt Harvey won't join team|author=Susan Slusser|date=September 8, 2019|access-date=September 9, 2019}} He made his major league debut on September 11 versus the Houston Astros, pitching three innings in relief.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/athletics/top-prospect-jesus-luzardo-lives-hype-sparking-mlb-debut|title=A's top prospect Jesús Luzardo lives up to hype in sparking MLB debut|website=NBC Sports Bay Area|author=Ben Ross|date=September 11, 2019|access-date=September 12, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/game?gameId=401076912|title=Athletics vs. Astros – Game Summary – September 11, 2019 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=September 12, 2019}} Luzardo thus became the first Peruvian-born player in major league history.{{cite web |title=Players by birthplace: Peru |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/bio/Peru_born.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=April 13, 2021}} He appeared in 6 games in September for Oakland.

On July 7, 2020, it was announced that Luzardo had tested positive for COVID-19. The diagnosis forced the A's to put Luzardo in the bullpen to begin the season, but he only needed two relief appearances before making his first big league start on August 4 against the Texas Rangers. Luzardo got his first big league win in his next start on August 9 against the Houston Astros. He finished the season with a record of 3–2 and an ERA of 4.12 in 12 games (9 starts).

Luzardo began the 2021 season in the A's rotation, but struggled to a 5.79 ERA over six starts before requiring time on the injured list, after accidentally slamming his throwing hand on a table while playing a video game, resulting in a fractured pinky.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jesus-luzardo-to-work-on-mindset-during-injury-list-stint|title='Dumb mistake' gives Luzardo time to think|website=MLB.com}} By the time he returned to the team on May 30, James Kaprielian had claimed his place in the rotation, and Luzardo was used out of the bullpen.{{cite web |url=https://whitecleatbeat.com/2021/05/30/jesus-luzardo-set-return-oakland-reliever/ |title=Jesus Luzardo set to return to Oakland A's as reliever |work=Fansided |first=David |last=Hill |date=May 30, 2021}} He began his tenure with four scoreless innings, but allowed six home runs in his next five outings before being optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on June 21.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/athletics-demote-jesus-luzardo-as-season-long-struggles-persist/ |title=Athletics demote Jesús Luzardo as season-long struggles persist |work=CBS Sports |first=R. J. |last=Anderson |date=June 21, 2021}}

=Miami Marlins=

On July 28, 2021, the Athletics traded Luzardo to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Starling Marte and cash considerations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31905671/oakland-athletics-finalizing-trade-miami-marlins-starling-marte|title=A's get OF Marte from Marlins for lefty Luzardo|date=July 28, 2021|website=ESPN.com}} He made 12 starts for the Marlins down the stretch, working to a 4–5 record and 6.44 ERA with 58 strikeouts in {{fraction|57|1|3}} innings pitched.

On May 15, 2022, Luzardo was placed on the injured list with a left forearm strain, and was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 15.{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Jesus Luzardo: Heads to 60-day IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-jesus-luzardo-heads-to-60-day-il/|access-date=2023-02-26|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was activated on August 1.{{Cite web|title=Analysis: Breaking down Miami Marlins Jesus Luzardo's improvement|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article265386391.html|access-date=2023-05-26|website=amp.miamiherald.com|language=en}} Luzardo made 18 total starts for the Marlins in 2022, compiling a 4–7 record and 3.32 ERA with 120 strikeouts over {{fraction|100|1|3}} innings of work.{{Cite web|title=Jesus Luzardo 2022 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/39667/year/2022/category/pitching|access-date=September 20, 2024|website=espn.com|language=en}}

Luzardo's 2023 salary was set by the arbitration process at $2.45 million.{{cite news |title=Marlins' Jesus Luzardo wins arbitration case, gets $2.45M |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35582577/marlins-jesus-luzardo-wins-arbitration-case-gets-245m |access-date=February 5, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=February 3, 2023}} He made 32 starts for Miami in 2023, registering a 10–10 record and 3.58 ERA with 208 strikeouts across {{fraction|178|2|3}} innings pitched.{{Cite web|title=Jesus Luzardo 2023 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/39667/year/2023/category/pitching|access-date=September 20, 2024|website=espn.com|language=en}}

Luzardo began the 2024 season in Miami's rotation, posting a 3–6 record and 5.00 ERA across 12 starts. He was placed on the injured list with a lumbar stress reaction on June 22, 2024,{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Jesus Luzardo set to miss 4-6 weeks with back injury|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40408333/marlins-put-lhp-jesus-luzardo-15-day-il-back-injury|access-date=June 24, 2024|website=espn.com|language=en}} and was transferred to the 60–day injured list the next day.{{Cite web|title=Marlins Place Braxton Garrett On 15-Day Injured List With Forearm Flexor Strain|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/marlins-place-braxton-garrett-on-15-day-injured-list-with-forearm-flexor-strain.html|access-date=June 23, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} On August 8, Luzardo announced that he would miss the remainder of the season as a result of the injury.{{Cite web|title=Jesus Luzardo Won't Pitch Again In 2024|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/marlins-jesus-luzardo-shut-down-six-weeks-season-over.html|access-date=August 8, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On December 22, 2024, the Marlins traded Luzardo and Paul McIntosh to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43109069/source-phillies-acquire-jesus-luzardo-trade-marlins|title=Phillies acquire Jesus Luzardo in trade with Marlins|date=December 22, 2024|website=ESPN.com}}

Personal life

During the offseason of 2018, Luzardo helped coach at his former high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland. On February 14 of that year, he had planned to be at the school at 2:40 P.M. for a practice, but was running late. At approximately 2:20 P.M., a former student opened fire at the school—before Luzardo had arrived, he received a text from his former coach advising him not to come to the school.{{Cite web |last=Gilberto |first=Gerard |date=February 16, 2018 |title=Luzardo returns after tragedy at alma mater |url=https://www.milb.com/news/luzardo-returns-after-tragedy-at-alma-mater-266633524 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=MiLB}} Following the shooting, Luzardo set up a fundraiser, which raised over $10,000 for the family of his late Athletic Director, Chris Hixon, who was killed in the shooting.{{Cite web |author-link=Oakland Athletics |date=February 16, 2018 |title=Supporting Douglas High School |url=https://www.youcaring.com/familiesofthedouglashighschoolvictims-1101050 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331085613/https://www.youcaring.com/familiesofthedouglashighschoolvictims-1101050 |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=YouCaring}}