For all the hype surrounding the Phillies’ biggest offseason pitching acquisition, Jesús Luzardo wasted no time showing why the team went after him.
The lefty breezed through two perfect innings in his first competitive action since June 16, needing just 19 pitches to retire all six batters in Friday’s 7-5 win over the Red Sox. He wasn’t just effective—he was dominant, racking up six whiffs, including four on his changeup alone.
More importantly, Jesús Luzardo looked healthy.
“Usually, I have a little bit of anxiety before every start,” Luzardo said. “This was a little more excitement… It definitely feels like I’m back and healthy.”
Jesús Luzardo’s Velo is Up, and That’s a Huge Sign
In 2024, Luzardo’s stuff was noticeably down as he battled through a lumbar stress reaction in his back. His sinker averaged 94.8 mph—but on Friday? He was back to 96.9 mph and topped out at 97.7 mph.
That’s a massive difference. When Jesús Luzardo is sitting 96-98 mph instead of 94-95, he’s got one of the filthiest arsenals in the league.
And for a Phillies team that needed another high-end lefty behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, this is exactly the kind of start you want to see.
The Garrett Crochet What-If…
Throughout the offseason, the Phillies had originally been involved in trade talks for White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet before pivoting to Jesús Luzardo. The White Sox wanted top prospect Andrew Painter, and when the Phillies refused to part with him, the deal died.
Coincidentally, Crochet made his Red Sox debut on the same day as Luzardo, and… he wasn’t quite as sharp.
1⅔ innings, 3 K’s, 3 walks, and a single surrendered to Bryce Harper.
Luzardo looked locked in, while Crochet had some command issues. Did the Phillies make the right move? It’s way too early to say, but it’s a fun subplot to follow.
Great to see ya, Bryce Harper
After taking a 92 mph sinker off his right triceps on Wednesday, Bryce Harper returned to the lineup Friday and immediately made his presence felt. He finished 2-for-3, singling off Crochet and looking completely unfazed by his recent HBP scare.
Other offensive highlights:
- J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos also recorded hits.
- Matt Kroon and Carson Taylor (both nonroster invitees) hit their first spring homers.
- Carson DeMartini—a 2024 fourth-round pick who got the call-up for the day—blasted a home run, which is always fun for the young guys. (GO HOKIES)
Koyo Aoyagi’s debut wasn’t great…
Japanese sidearmer Koyo Aoyagi also made his Phillies debut, and it was… interesting. He gave up a double and single to start his outing, then walked in a run with back-to-back free passes. After that Aoyagi settled in with two strikeouts before being pulled.
Aoyagi’s fastball sat around 89 mph, which is about what was expected. His success this season will hinge on command and movement, and it’s safe to say there were some early jitters in his first MLB spring training appearance.
The Phillies head to Lakeland on Saturday to face the Tigers at 1:05 p.m., and Aaron Nola is set to make his spring debut.
Jesús Luzardo impressed, Harper is always a great sight, and the Phillies keep racking up wins in Grapefruit League play. Not a bad way to spend a Friday in Clearwater.
