Jesus Luzardo Completed Catch at Citizens Bank Park

The pitcher reached 120 feet during his recovery from a shoulder injury at the stadium.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Baseball

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesus Luzardo continues his recovery from a shoulder injury, playing catch at Citizens Bank Park. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jesus Luzardo played catch at 120 feet at Citizens Bank Park as he recovers from a sore shoulder. The pitcher, currently on the 15-day injured list, is being monitored on a day-to-day basis by the team.

Why it matters

The Philadelphia Phillies hope to have Luzardo back on the roster in time for the postseason as they push for a playoff spot. If he returns, the team intends to stretch him out to perform as a starting pitcher.

Luzardo played catch at a distance of 120 feet as part of his rehabilitation program. The Phillies currently maintain an 86-70 record and hold a magic number of 3 to secure a place in the postseason.

The players

Jesus Luzardo

He is a professional baseball pitcher currently working through rehabilitation for a shoulder injury.

Philadelphia Phillies

This is a Major League Baseball franchise that is currently competing for a postseason berth.

The details

Luzardo has been sidelined since his last appearance on September 7 due to shoulder soreness. The Phillies staff continues to evaluate his progress daily to determine if he can rejoin the rotation for the upcoming Wild Card Series.

Timeline

  1. Jesus Luzardo last appeared in an MLB game on September 7, 2026.

  2. The 15-day injured list stint was backdated to September 12, 2026.

  3. Luzardo is eligible for activation from the injured list on September 27, 2026.

  4. The MLB Wild Card Series is scheduled to commence on September 29, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Luzardo's return would provide significant depth for the Phillies as they transition into the high-stakes environment of the Wild Card Series. His ability to start would bolster the team's rotation, impacting the franchise's standing in the final postseason push.

The Phillies need only three more wins to clinch their postseason berth, making every pitching decision critical for the upcoming series. Fantasy managers should note that Luzardo is being stretched out for a starting role, which could change his utility for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Maintaining player health during the final days of the regular season is essential for deep playoff runs. Careful rehabilitation programs, like the one Luzardo is currently undergoing, allow teams to maximize their roster strength when games matter most.

Further reading

For more news and analysis on the team's postseason push, visit the Philadelphia Baseball section.

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Do you favor pushing injured players to return for the postseason over long-term health risks?