Left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo returned to the Philadelphia Phillies active roster ahead of their matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, activated from the 15-day injured list by the club. To clear a spot on the 28-player active roster, the organization designated right-handed pitcher José Urquidy for assignment, as announced by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.
Luzardo Returns After Shoulder Inflammation Sidelines
Luzardo, 28, missed time following a left shoulder inflammation diagnosis on September 15, which was made retroactive to September 12. Before the injury, the left-hander posted a 14-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, allowing 57 earned runs across 178.2 innings. He recorded 221 strikeouts, 52 walks, and a 1.08 WHIP over 29 starts for Philadelphia. He was named National League Pitcher of the Month for August after he went 3-0 with a league-best 1.31 ERA and surrendered just five earned runs in 34.1 frames. Earning his first career All-Star selection this season, Luzardo generated 6.3 bWAR, ranking second among all National League pitchers behind teammate Cristopher Sánchez. His 221 strikeouts establish a personal single-season high, marking the first time he has reached the 200-strikeout threshold in consecutive campaigns after setting his previous best with 216 strikeouts last year. The Washington Nationals originally selected Luzardo in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He was acquired by the Phillies from the Miami Marlins on December 22, 2024, and Philadelphia signed him to a five-year contract extension on March 10 of this year.
Roster Move Affects Urquidy After Brief Stint
Urquidy, 31, exited the 28-man roster via designation for assignment to accommodate Luzardo’s return. Hailing from Mazatlán, Mexico, Urquidy originally signed with the Houston Astros as an amateur free agent on March 2, 2015. The Phillies claimed him off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on September 17. During his brief tenure in Philadelphia, he made two presentations, throwing 7.1 innings with a 3.68 ERA, nine strikeouts, and zero walks.