Why Phillies' biggest flaw entering MLB postseason is all about Jesus Luzardo

Why Phillies’ biggest flaw entering MLB postseason is all about Jesus Luzardo originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies are currently trying to lock up a spot in the MLB postseason, and while they’re in decent shape to do so, it’s not officially secured just yet.

But assuming that the Phillies do wind up making the MLB postseason, there is a major issue for the Phillies brewing that could derail their postseason chances, and it’s not about their struggling offense.

Instead, as ESPN’s David Schoenfield notes, the biggest flaw for this team is the injury to Jesus Luzardo. His potential absence is a major issue, and even if he plays, there’s real concern here with the beloved left-hander.

Why Jesus Luzardo has become a ‘fatal flaw’ for Phillies in October

“Philadelphia Phillies. Fatal flaw: Jesus Luzardo’s injury (out because of shoulder inflammation),” Schoenfield writes.

This injury to Luzardo is obviously a problem, but it goes well beyond just being an issue for the club. This injury could have a snowball effect on the rest of the team.

For starters, his absence obviously takes away one of the Phillies’ best pitchers off the mound if he misses time. Even if he comes back in time for the postseason, there will be questions about how good he’ll actually be.

But, assuming for a second that he is out in the NL Wild Card round at least, the Phillies will need Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Aaron Nola to secure the Wild Card series.

If Luzardo is out into the NLDS, that means Andrew Painter will be forced to start at least one, if not two, games during the series. Even though he’s been better lately, it’s hard to trust him in the postseason.

MORE: Phillies’ Jesus Luzardo on track to be best road pitcher in MLB history since 1913

Considering that the Phillies’ offense is one of the worst in baseball, and now the bullpen has become a bit of a liability before getting to Jhoan Duran, not having an elite starter like Luzardo at their disposal is a huge issue for the Phillies.

The margin for error for Painter and Nola is going to be very slim. Luzardo would also have a small margin for error, but he’s proven he can be trusted in such a role this season.

Luzardo’s injury hurts the starting rotation, puts more pressure on the bullpen, and makes it so the offense needs to be a lot better than it might’ve needed to be had he been starting like normal.

While Luzardo has been one of the best pitchers in MLB this season, the Phillies are now stuck in a tricky situation with the lefty being out due to a shoulder issue.

More MLB news: