Phillies Insider Floats Wild Potential Jesus Luzardo Change

The Philadelphia Phillies are clearly in need of more starting pitching heading into the MLB trade deadline, and they are expected to add another arm before Aug. 3.

While the Phillies can shoot for the moon and try for Tarik Skubal, it seems more likely that Philadelphia will land a back-end-of-the-rotation hurler, which is perfectly fine considering the Phillies have a terrific top three.

Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo comprise a fearsome trio, especially in a short playoff series.

But could Philadelphia actually alter that menacing triumvirate?

Matt Gelb of The Athletic has floated a wild idea regarding Luzardo, noting that the left-hander might be better-suited for the bullpen come October.

"Another postseason-caliber starter provides this year’s Phillies with some paths. It might be enticing to bump Luzardo to the bullpen in October, but he’s been one of the better pitchers in the National League this season. His strikeout rate is third among NL starters. His FIP is fifth. He’s fourth in fWAR," Gelb wrote.

Taking those statistics into consideration, it seems highly doubtful that the Phillies would shift Luzardo into a relief role for the playoffs.

It's probably more likely that Philadelphia is merely looking for extra starters now just to get the team through the regular season so it can make the playoffs, which is no guarantee.

The Phils began the campaign with Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter as their No. 4 and 5 starters. That hasn't exactly worked out.

Nola owns a 5.82 ERA, and Painter was so terrible (he posted a 7.06 ERA through 14 outings) that the Phillies demoted him to Triple-A.

Philadelphia desperately needs some pitching depth, so unless the Phillies are able to pull off a coup and pry Skubal away from the Detroit Tigers, it seems more likely that Dave Dombrowski will pursuit a viable innings-eater to round out the rotation and that Luzardo will remain a starter for the postseason.

It's also important to keep in mind that Philly does not exactly have a ton of desirable assets in its farm system. Painter's stock has dropped, and Philadelphia surely doesn't want to sell low on him. Aidan Miller has yet to take the field in 2026 due to a back injury. Aroon Escobar has been a bust this season. Gage Wood may be untouchable.

I suppose that the Phillies could float Justin Crawford in trade talks, but they need outfield help as it is. It doesn't seem very likely that they'll move their starting center fielder, as that would create a brand new problem.

Philadelphia should absolutely have enough to land someone like Brady Singer or Trevor Rogers, which would certainly not — or at least should not — result in Luzardo being sent to the bullpen.