Phillies hit with major setback as All-Star pitcher heads to injured list
Another Key Player sidelined with shoulder inflammation
The Philadelphia Phillies have placed left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to September 12, because of inflammation in his left shoulder.
Luzardo had already been scratched from his scheduled start against the Braves after experiencing shoulder stiffness, and although an MRI reportedly showed no serious damage, the issue did not improve enough for him to remain in the rotation.
A huge loss at a crucial point
The timing makes the situation particularly significant for Philadelphia. Luzardo has been one of the Phillies’ most important starters during the 2026 season, going 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA and a career-high 221 strikeouts through 29 starts.
He was also named an All-Star and had just completed a dominant August in which he posted a 1.31 ERA.
Phillies make a roster move
Philadelphia responded by bringing up Kyle Backhus from Lehigh Valley to help cover the roster spot. The club had initially recalled Grant Holman before updating the move and recalling Backhus for Tuesday’s game. Luzardo’s absence means the Phillies will have to manage their pitching staff carefully while he works his way back.
Luzardo could still return for October
There is some encouragement surrounding the injury because the MRI did not reveal serious structural damage.
Luzardo is eligible to return September 27, the final day of the regular season, and the Phillies have expressed hope that he can be available for the postseason if the team qualifies. That gives Philadelphia a potential path to getting one of its leading starters back when October baseball begins.
Phillies keep pushing despite the setback
Philadelphia has continued fighting through the stretch run, and on September 16, Zack Wheeler delivered seven scoreless innings as the Phillies defeated Washington 3-0, improving to 84-68. Wheeler, José Alvarado and Jhoan Duran combined for the shutout, giving Philadelphia an important response while Luzardo remains sidelined.
