PHILADELPHIA -- Jesús Luzardo returned to the Phillies’ pitching staff in efficient fashion on Sunday afternoon.
Luzardo hadn’t pitched since Sept. 7 due to inflammation in his left shoulder. He had been scheduled to pitch a simulated game on Saturday, but rain cancelled those plans. Luzardo entered the game in the eighth inning on Sunday with a four-run lead. It was his first appearance since he threw a two-hit shutout against the Braves nearly three weeks ago.
Luzardo needed only four pitches to retire the Rays in order on three groundouts. He gave way to Jhoan Duran in the ninth, who shut the door to clinch a fifth consecutive trip to the postseason in a 7-3 win.
“The past is the past,” Luzardo said. “You play 162 games for a reason. I think this team has what it takes, and we obviously showed it throughout a full season. I don't think the last four days are indicative of what we can do. I think today was and I think that we look forward to Tuesday starting with a clean slate.”
Considering he only threw four pitches, it’s possible Luzardo could start Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Braves on Tuesday afternoon. Phillies right-hander Andrew Painter threw in the bullpen on Sunday. He could be an option, too.
Zack Wheeler had been scheduled to start Game 1, but those plans changed when the Phillies squandered most of a five-game lead over Arizona with eight games to play. Wheeler struck out five and allowed one run on five hits in six innings in the clincher on Sunday. Aaron Nola pitched on short rest on Saturday. He threw only 21 pitches, so he also could be in play to start Game 1.
“I feel like I'm prepared to give the team whatever they ask, whatever they need,” Luzardo said.
To make room for Luzardo on the 28-man roster, right-hander José Urquidy was designated for assignment.