The Philadelphia Phillies have been dealt a significant setback late in the regular season, as starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo has been placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation.
Luzardo was originally scratched from his scheduled start against the Atlanta Braves on September 12 after experiencing increased shoulder stiffness. An MRI showed no structural damage, providing some initial optimism that the issue would not keep him out for an extended period. However, the inflammation did not improve quickly enough, leading Philadelphia to place him on the injured list.
The timing is particularly important for the Phillies as the postseason approaches. Luzardo has been one of Philadelphia’s most effective starters in 2026, posting a 14-5 record with a 2.87 ERA and 221 strikeouts over 178 2/3 innings. He also recently recorded the first complete game of his career, throwing a two-hit shutout against Atlanta on September 7.
Luzardo is eligible to return on September 27, the final day of the regular season. While there is uncertainty surrounding exactly when he will be ready to pitch again, both Luzardo and interim manager Don Mattingly have expressed optimism that the injury is not expected to become a long-term problem that the team will have to deal with before the postseason begins. Luzardo has also indicated that his goal is to be in that starting rotation if the Phillies make a postseason run this season.
For Philadelphia, the priority will be to allow Luzardo’s shoulder to fully recover as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. His availability could become an important storyline as the Phillies prepare for October.
How Jesús Luzardo Affects the Phillies’ Playoff Chances
Luzardo’s absence could significantly impact Philadelphia as the Phillies fight for a postseason spot. With only 12 games remaining when he was placed on the injured list, Philadelphia was sitting just a half-game behind the Chicago Cubs for the top National League Wild Card position and 3½ games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the last team outside the playoff picture.
The timing also creates uncertainty for the postseason rotation. Luzardo has been viewed as a potential Game 1 starter if Philadelphia reaches October, but his eligibility to return comes just two days before the postseason begins. That gives him very little margin for error in his recovery and preparation as a starting pitcher.
For now, the Phillies will have to rely on the rest of their rotation and pitching staff to navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Philadelphia has also called up right-hander Grant Holman to help address an immediate pitching need.
Luzardo has expressed optimism about returning for the postseason, but the Phillies will ultimately have to wait and see how his shoulder responds. If he is healthy enough to pitch in October, his return could provide Philadelphia with an important boost. If not, the Phillies will have to enter the postseason without one of their most productive starters of the 2026 season.
