Luzardo Set to Return for Phillies' Season-Finale Must-Win
Philadelphia activates its ace lefty off the IL for Game 162, with playoff seeding on the line against the Rays.
Interim manager Don Mattingly confirmed the Phillies will activate Jesús Luzardo from the 15-day IL ahead of Game 162. Luzardo has been sidelined since September 12 with left shoulder inflammation but returns after a minimum absence. He posted career-best numbers this season — a 2.87 ERA, 30.4% strikeout rate, and 5.5 fWAR across 178.2 innings. He will be available out of the bullpen as Philadelphia fights to clinch the final NL Wild Card spot.
More on the Phillies wire.
Luzardo Returns: Phillies Activate LHP Off IL for Season Finale
Philadelphia activates Jesús Luzardo from the injured list in time for Game 162, boosting their pitching staff for the final day.
Rays-Phillies Game 162 start time moved to 2:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 27
MLB.com reports the Rays-Phillies series finale at Citizens Bank Park has been moved to 2:30 p.m. ET, with Philadelphia's Wild Card spot on the line.
Phillies face win-or-out Game 162 against the Rays as D-backs loom
Philadelphia must beat Tampa Bay on Sunday to clinch an NL Wild Card spot; a loss combined with an Arizona win sends the Diamondbacks through, per Charlie Wright at MLB Trade Rumors.
Phillies' Wild Card Lead Trimmed to One Game Over Surging D-backs
Philadelphia's recent slump and Arizona's hot streak have tightened the NL Wild Card race, with the Diamondbacks owning the tiebreaker.
Rays vs. Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park delayed by rain on September 26
Saturday's game between Tampa Bay and Philadelphia was delayed by rain, MLB.com reported, as the Phillies cling to a one-game NL Wild Card lead with days left in the regular season.
Phillies' Wild Card Lead Trimmed to One Game Over D-backs
A Phillies slump and Arizona surge have tightened the NL Wild Card race, with the Diamondbacks holding the tiebreaker advantage.