Key player told teammates and reporters before spring training that he would avoid using the newly introduced ABS challenge system and would instead trust catcher decisions, including those made by J.T. Realmuto, for pitch calls.
However, during his first spring training start, Luzardo broke that promise in the very first inning when a 3-2 pitch to Boston Red Sox designated hitter Connor Wong was ruled a ball, prompting Luzardo to signal a challenge by tapping his head because he believed the pitch was a strike.
Luzardo later admitted he had told Realmuto he would not challenge calls throughout the season but failed to even last one inning, joking that he should try to control the impulse while still trusting his catcher completely.
After a quick review, the call was overturned and changed to a strike. The moment was not surprising to many inside the Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse, where teammates expected he would eventually use the challenge system.
Despite the incident, Luzardo emphasized his confidence in his catchers and said he would leave such decisions in their hands. As one of the team’s leading pitchers this season alongside Cristopher Sánchez, he will carry greater responsibility on the mound until ace Zack Wheeler returns from injury. ⚾
