Philadelphia Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo is making a major impact in his first season with the team, putting together an exceptional start to the 2025 campaign. According to Paul Casella of MLB.com, Luzardo has made franchise history by going undefeated with an ERA below 2.00 in his first 10 starts. He now joins elite company, including Grover Alexander and Ranger Suárez, as one of only three Phillies pitchers to ever reach this milestone.
Acquired in a trade from the Miami Marlins during the offseason to strengthen the back of the rotation, the 27-year-old left-hander has exceeded expectations and even shown flashes of becoming a top-tier starter.
Still, the Phillies are cautious in their optimism. Just last year, Suárez began his season in similar dominant fashion before injuries and poor performance derailed his success. After a strong first 10 outings, Suárez finished 2024 with a disappointing 3–8 record, 5.10 ERA, and 1.52 WHIP across his final 17 starts, hampered by back issues.
Luzardo, who also dealt with elbow and back problems in 2024, appears to be healthier this season and it’s showing. Through 11 starts, he boasts a 5–0 record, a 2.15 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and has allowed just three home runs while striking out 77 batters over 67 innings.
If he stays healthy, Luzardo’s current level of performance could prove to be sustainable something that would greatly benefit the Phillies’ rotation. With Luzardo joining a formidable group that includes Suárez, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sánchez, Philadelphia might have the strongest starting rotation in MLB.
So far, the numbers back it up. The Phillies’ starters lead the league in wins (22) and strikeouts (338), rank second in innings pitched (305), and are fourth in ERA (3.22) entering Monday’s games. And that’s with Nola struggling and currently sidelined.
With Luzardo emerging as a potential ace and winning over the fan base, the Phillies could be on track for an even better season than last year.
