Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo took another important step toward returning for the postseason on Thursday.
Luzardo threw about 30 pitches off the mound in his first bullpen session since being placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. Interim manager Don Mattingly described it as a normal bullpen, but the session carried plenty of importance for the left-hander.
Cole Weintraub reported the development on X, with Luzardo now expected to face live hitters this weekend. If that goes well and his shoulder responds properly, Philadelphia could have its All-Star starter available for the Wild Card round.
The timing could hardly be better for the Phillies. Luzardo has been one of their most productive starters this season, posting a 14-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 221 strikeouts across 178.2 innings.
He also entered his injury after a dominant stretch. Luzardo threw a complete-game shutout against the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 7, striking out 12 while allowing just two hits.
The Phillies still have to be careful with the next step. Luzardo was scratched from a Sept. 12 start because of shoulder inflammation before landing on the injured list, so his response to the simulated game will be important.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Mattingly has indicated that both starting and relief roles remain possibilities for Luzardo if he returns. That gives Philadelphia some flexibility with its pitching staff, although the immediate priority is simply getting him through the next stage of his throwing program.
For a team preparing for October, seeing Luzardo back on a mound is certainly welcome news. Now, the Phillies just need his shoulder to cooperate.
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