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Jesus Luzardo Throws Bullpen Session on Thursday
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) threw a bullpen session that consisted of around 30 pitches on Thursday, as expected, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Luzardo said the session went well. The Phillies could look to have Luzardo throw a simulated game this weekend to face live hitters, and he remains very much in play to return to the starting rotation for the start of the postseason next week in the wild-card series. The Phillies must first get into the postseason, as they entered Thursday tied with the Chicago Cubs for the final wild-card spot in the National League, with the Arizona Diamondbacks on their tails at three games behind with four left to play. Luzardo will be eligible to come off the 15-day injured list for the regular-season finale on Sunday, but he almost certainly won't be an option to pitch in that game as the Phillies look to save him for the playoffs. Getting the 28-year-old southpaw back for next week is the team's top priority after he went 14-5 with a career-best 2.87 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 221:52 K:BB in 178 2/3 innings across 29 starts in his second year with the organization.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Jesus Luzardo Expected to Throw Off a Mound "Very Soon"
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) played catch for a fourth straight day on Wednesday and is expected to progress to mound work "very soon," per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Luzardo has been sidelined since early September by shoulder inflammation, but it appears he has a chance to work out of the bullpen for the Phillies in the National League Wild Card Series. Across 178 2/3 innings (29 starts) before the injury, the 28-year-old recorded a 14-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 221 strikeouts. Luzardo posted a career-best 30.4% strikeout rate and an elite 23.2% K-BB rate. While the talented left-hander is unlikely to be fully built up as a starter, getting Luzardo back in any capacity would still be a major boost for Philadelphia.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Gage Wood Has Extremely High Upside With Elite Fastball
Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Gage Wood had a bit of mixed results during his age-22 minor-league season in 2026. Wood pitched to a combined 1-5 record between Single-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading. He showed a good strikeout rate with 139 strikeouts in 95 combined innings pitched and posted a 4.36 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Wood has enormous potential as the top prospect in the Phillies' system and possesses a 70-grade fastball with a 55-grade curveball, 50-grade slider, and 45-grade changeup. He still has room to improve his offspeed stuff, but his fastball is pretty much major-league level. He can strike out batters with his elite fastball, but he is working hard to improve his changeup. The minor league numbers weren't necessarily elite this season, but expect Wood to get a look at some point in Philadelphia in 2027.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jesus Luzardo Cleared to Throw on Sunday
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) was cleared to begin a throwing program on Sunday, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Luzardo played catch with bullpen catcher Hector Rabago for around 10 minutes, which was the first time he had a full catch session in nine days. "Ready to go," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. Luzardo has not pitched in a game since Sept. 7 due to inflammation in his left shoulder, and with the regular season coming to an end this weekend, he might not have enough time to get fully ramped up to rejoin the Phillies in a starting role if they make the postseason. Luzardo's next big test will be when he throws a bullpen session off a mound. He is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list for the final regular-season game, but the Phillies do not expect him to pitch in that game. Gelb writes that "all signs point" to the Phillies treating Luzardo as a reliever to begin the postseason. Getting Luzardo back at all next month would be a big boost to the Phillies' pitching staff, as the 28-year-old was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2026, going 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 221 strikeouts in 178 2/3 innings across his 29 starts.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Phillies Putting Jesus Luzardo on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
The Philadelphia Phillies are placing left-hander Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with inflammation in his left shoulder, according to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Luzardo will not be eligible to return from the IL until the last game of the 2026 regular season. The Phillies were hoping that the inflammation would leave Luzardo's shoulder after he did not throw for two days, but that did not end up being the case. Interim manager Don Mattingly did not rule out Luzardo making a start in the playoffs (if the Phillies qualify) in October. It is a premature ending to what has been a great season for the 28-year-old southpaw, who has gone 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA (2.78 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with a career-high 221 strikeouts and 52 walks in 178 2/3 innings across his 29 starts as a first-time All-Star in his second year in Philly. The move to put Luzardo on the IL comes after the Phillies scratched him from his most recent start on Saturday against the division-rival Atlanta Braves due to shoulder stiffness and inflammation.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Jesus Luzardo Hopes to Pitch Next Week
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) was scratched ahead of his scheduled start against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. An MRI came back negative for any structural damage, and Luzardo is hopeful to get back on the mound next week, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. The southpaw is dealing with some shoulder stiffness after throwing a complete game during Monday's outing. The Phillies will give him rest and hope that Luzardo can return to the mound at some point next week. The expectation is that Luzardo will return at some point during the four-game series against the New York Mets next weekend. Fantasy managers will need to continue checking back for updates throughout the week.
Source: Todd Zolecki
Source: Todd Zolecki
Jesus Luzardo Scratched From Saturday's Start With Shoulder Stiffness
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the division-rival Atlanta Braves due to stiffness in his left shoulder, according to Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Luzardo will avoid the injured list for now, and the Phillies are hoping to give him extra rest by pushing him back to next week. It does not appear to be a serious injury for the 28-year-old southpaw, but it is worth watching going into his next start, which is to be determined for now. Luzardo dealt with some stiffness in his shoulder in his last outing on Monday, which was a gem when he tossed a complete-game shutout with only two hits allowed, one walk, and 12 strikeouts against the Braves in a 1-0 win. If he is able to make his start next week, it will likely come against the division-rival Mets. Despite coming off an injury, Luzardo will be a must-start in fantasy leagues in that matchup in the fantasy postseason. Luzardo has been excellent in 2026 in his second year in Philly, going 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA (2.78 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with a career-high 221 strikeouts and 52 walks in 29 starts.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Kyle Schwarber Remains an Elite Power Source Amid Current HR Binge
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has been one of the best power hitters in all of baseball once again in 2026, hitting .241/.355/.527 with 44 home runs, 92 RBI, 88 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 632 plate appearances. The 33-year-old battled through a moderate power swoon at the end of August, but he's been red-hot to start September. Across his last 27 trips to the plate, Schwarber has logged seven hits, four home runs, nine RBI, and seven runs scored. The 33-year-old's underlying batted-ball metrics are indicative of his massive power, as he's posted a 17% barrel rate and a 49.5% hard-hit rate on the year. Heading into the final few weeks of the regular season, Schwarber remains an elite source of power for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cristopher Sanchez Notches 17th Win in Shaky Outing on Wednesday
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez picked up his 17th win of the season on Wednesday despite not having his best stuff, allowing 10 hits and six earned runs while striking out just three across six innings in his team's 11-7 win over the Houston Astros. Sanchez has been one of the better pitchers in baseball for the majority of 2026, recording a 17-5 record with a 2.79 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 210 strikeouts across 187 1/3 innings (30 starts). However, the 29-year-old has hit a bit of a rough patch of late, relative to his lofty standards. Across his last 25 2/3 innings (four starts), Sanchez has allowed 26 hits and 13 earned runs. He's been less dominant in the second half of the season than he was in the first, as his K-BB rate has dropped from 22.7% to 19.4% and his WHIP has increased from 1.19 to 1.27. Sanchez remains a must-start pitcher, but fantasy managers may want to temper expectations slightly down the stretch.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jesus Luzardo Dominates the Braves in Complete-Game Shutout
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo was dominant on the mound on Monday in the team's 1-0 shutout victory over the division-rival Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Luzardo was at his best, tossing a complete-game shutout with only two hits allowed, one walk, and 12 strikeouts to win his 14th game of the season. It was the 28-year-old's first career shutout and complete game, so it was a special day as he continues to roll late in the 2026 season. In his last seven starts, Luzardo has gone at least 5 2/3 innings with two runs or fewer to lower his season ERA to 2.87 while also sporting a nice 1.08 WHIP and 221:52 K:BB in his 178 2/3 innings pitched on the season in his first year in Philadelphia. Luzardo has now reached the 200-strikeout mark in back-to-back seasons and three of his last four campaigns. He is a first-time All-Star this year and could be a difference-maker down the stretch as fantasy managers seek championships.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Andrew Painter a Late-Season Waiver-Wire Target Amid Hot Stretch
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Andrew Painter has turned things around lately, and he's back on the fantasy radar as an appealing waiver wire target for the month of September. Painter owns a 5.55 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP over 21 outings this year. However, over just his last seven starts, he has a 3.12 ERA with 8.5 K/9 and just 2.9 BB/9. Two of his last three outings have gone seven innings with one or fewer runs. In his most recent start on Wednesday, he went seven shutout innings with six strikeouts, two hits, and no walks. Painter isn't currently a top-85 starter in RotoBaller's rest-of-season fantasy baseball rankings, but that will change if he continues to pitch at such a high level. There's a real opportunity for fantasy managers to pick up Painter off the waiver wire and reap the rewards going forward. As it stands, he's rostered in just 24% of leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aidan Miller Gets Season Debut Under His Belt
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back) made his season debut on a rehab assignment with Single-A Clearwater on Saturday. The 22-year-old was 1-for-2 at the plate in his debut with a run scored. Miller returned to action on a rehab assignment for his back injury. The right-handed hitter is the No. 2 prospect in the Phillies system and has a well-rounded game with a 55-grade hit tool, 60-grade power, and 50-grade speed. The Phillies first round pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of a Florida high school, Miller has good size at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds and made it all the way to Triple-A during the 2025 season. With a chance to get some games under his belt at the end of this season, Miller looks to be a solid dynasty league target. He promises to be one of the up-and-coming players at the shortstop position.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Bryson Stott Back After One-Game Absence
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryson Stott (personal) is starting at third base and will bat eighth on Saturday against the division-rival Atlanta Braves and veteran left-hander Martin Perez at Citizens Bank Park, per MLB.com. Stott was out of the starting nine for Friday's series opener against Atlanta due to personal reasons, but he is back now and looking to put a recent slump behind him. Fantasy managers setting DFS lineups should consider the 28-year-old left-handed-hitting infielder an easy fade near the bottom of the batting order, even though he has hit .276 (29-for-105) against left-handed pitchers on the season. Stott has gone 7-for-45 (.156) with one home run, two doubles, two RBI, five runs scored, one stolen base, three walks, and 10 strikeouts in his last 13 games, dating back to Aug. 19, to drop his season slash line to .255/.331/.403 in 526 total plate appearances. In a very small sample size, Stott is hitting 1.000 off Perez in just two at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Aidan Miller to Make Season Debut at Low-A on Saturday
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back), the team's second overall prospect at MLB Pipeline, will play five innings at shortstop on Saturday for Low-A Clearwater, according to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. It is a notable benchmark for Miller after he had surgery on his troublesome back in early June. This will be the 22-year-old former first-rounder's first game action in the minors this year. The right-handed-hitting infielder batted .264/.392/.433 with an .825 OPS, 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 59 stolen bases, and 82 runs scored in 116 games and 526 plate appearances last year at Double-A Reading (108) games and Triple-A Lehigh Valley (eight games). With time running out in the minor-league season, it would be a surprise if Miller heads back to Lehigh Valley in September. Miller has intriguing raw power and excellent instincts on the basepaths to give him plus stolen-base upside. He is the heir apparent in Philly to Trea Turner, who has shown signs of decline in 2026. Barring another injury, Miller is expected to make his major-league debut with the Phillies in 2027.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Bryson Stott Scratched Due to Personal Matter
The Philadelphia Phillies announced that infielder Bryson Stott (personal) has been scratched from Friday night's lineup against the division-rival Atlanta Braves due to a personal matter. Edmundo Sosa will now make the start at third base and will bat sixth versus Braves left-hander Chris Sale. Stott probably will not mind taking a seat against Sale, but it is unclear if he will be available as the series continues at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday. The day off will also give Stott a chance to clear his head after a rough stretch at the plate recently. The 28-year-old former first-rounder has gone 7-for-45 (.156) with a homer, two doubles, two RBI, five runs scored, one stolen base, three walks, and 10 strikeouts in his last 13 games to drop his overall line for the season to .255/.331/.403 with a .734 OPS, 10 home runs, 61 RBI, 61 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases. Stott is mostly useful in fantasy leagues for his speed and his versatility at second base, third base, and shortstop. Since the Phillies acquired Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, Stott has moved over to third base full-time in Philly.
Source: Philadelphia Phillies
Source: Philadelphia Phillies
