The Philadelphia Phillies are 8-10, and there’s plenty to worry about right now. The offense has gone stagnant, and even the pitching staff is showing cracks.
Jesus Luzardo exemplified those concerns Wednesday night against the Cubs, allowing nine runs (eight earned) in a brutal outing that sealed the series loss.
What makes this different is the historical context. As Paul Casella of MLB.com noted, this was Luzardo’s second start allowing 12+ hits and 9+ runs in his Phillies career. The last pitcher in franchise history to have multiple starts like that? Hall of Famer Robin Roberts, who did it in 1951 and ’55.
“Tonight is the 2nd time Jesus Luzardo has allowed 12+ hits and 9+ runs in a start (also May 31 last season). The last Phillies pitcher to have multiple starts of 12+ hits and 9+ runs at any point: Hall of Famer Robin Roberts (one apiece in 1951 and ’55).”
Joining Roberts in franchise history is normally cause for celebration.
Not this time.
Luzardo’s second blowup came across 5.1 innings, surrendering 12 hits and nine runs with one walk and four strikeouts against Chicago. It wasn’t even his worst performance – that came last season when he allowed 12 hits and 12 runs across just 3.1 innings. He followed that disaster with a nine-hit, eight-run outing a few days later.
The pattern’s concerning. Last time Luzardo had a start this bad, he immediately followed it up with another brutal performance. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself.
The Silver Lining
Here’s the thing about Roberts – he bounced back from those rough outings to become one of the best pitchers in franchise history. The Hall of Famer proved it’s possible to recover from performances this poor.
That’s where Luzardo finds himself now. He’s joined Roberts in some unwanted franchise history, but the blueprint for recovery exists. Roberts showed that even Hall of Fame careers can include nights where nothing goes right.
All things considered, Wednesday’s performance caps off what’s been a frustrating stretch for Philadelphia. With the offense struggling and pitching showing inconsistency, the Phillies need Luzardo to find his form quickly.
The question now is whether he’ll follow Roberts’ path back to effectiveness or continue the concerning trend that’s defined his brief Phillies tenure.
