Marlins left-hander Jesús Luzardo will not be starting on Saturday against the Mariners at loanDepot park due to ongoing back problems, the team recently announced. After waking up with a stiff back following his last start on Sunday, where he managed to pitch five innings of two-run ball, Luzardo’s velocity was noticeably down, including a decrease of 3.1 mph on his four-seam fastball.
Manager Skip Schumaker explained that Luzardo has been battling this back issue for a few weeks, and it worsened during his last start in Washington. Despite not feeling his best, Luzardo pushed through the discomfort to support his team. However, the Marlins are now concerned and awaiting further evaluation to determine the next steps for Luzardo.
The 26-year-old pitcher, who has been at the center of trade rumors, has had a somewhat inconsistent season with an 86 ERA+ and a 1.25 WHIP in 12 starts. In contrast, he had a breakout year in 2023 with a 130 ERA+ and a 1.22 WHIP. Earlier in the season, Luzardo spent time on the injured list due to left elbow tightness, raising concerns about potential mechanical adjustments that could lead to more severe arm injuries if his back issues persist.
Schumaker emphasized the importance of not overexerting other parts of the body to compensate for the back problem, as it could create additional issues down the line. With several pitchers already out due to injuries, including Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Marlins are hoping for a quick recovery for Luzardo to avoid further strain on their pitching staff.
While the team has yet to announce Luzardo’s replacement for Saturday’s game, options from the healthy 40-man roster include righty Shaun Anderson and top prospect Max Meyer. Anderson had a rough debut on June 14, giving up seven runs, four of which were earned, before being pulled in the third inning. Meyer, on the other hand, was sent down to Triple-A Jacksonville in April to manage his workload post-Tommy John surgery.
As the Marlins navigate their pitching depth amid injuries and setbacks, the focus remains on supporting their players’ recovery and ensuring long-term health and performance on the field. Luzardo’s situation serves as a reminder of the physical demands and challenges that athletes face throughout the season, highlighting the need for careful management and monitoring to prevent further injuries.