Title: Phillies Add New Starters: Jesus Luzardo and Starling Kabah Join the Team
The Philadelphia Phillies have added two new starters to their roster, Jesus Luzardo and Starling Kabah, who joined the team through trade and offseason signings. This move aims to bolster the team’s depth and provide a boost to their pitching lineup.
Luzardo, a 27-year-old left-hander, has been out of commission due to a stress reaction in his lower back. However, he has made significant progress and announced that he is feeling 100%. Luzardo mentioned that he had a typical offseason and is expecting to be at full strength by the start of spring training. In his last season with the Marlins, Luzardo struggled to maintain a 5.00 ERA in 12 starts. Despite this, he has shown the potential to be a top-notch starter in the past.
The addition of Luzardo brings a new dimension to the Phillies’ pitching rotation. He has a career average of nearly 97 mph on his fastball and is capable of missing a lot of hits on his slider and changeup. With the return of Luzardo, the Phillies’ top-five prospects are now backed up by experienced starters like Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nora, Rangers Suarez, and Christopher Sanchez.
One of the most significant acquisitions this offseason is the trade of Starling Kabah, a highly regarded shortstop prospect from the Marlins. Kabah is expected to be a potential top-five prospect in MLB and will join the Phillies’ farm system. This trade has added depth to the Phillies’ roster and given them a young star player on the rise.
However, the Phillies may face a challenge in getting Andrew Painter, a 21-year-old right-hander, back into the fold. Painter underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2023 and is expected to miss the first month or two of the season. The Phillies are being cautious with Painter’s recovery and will not have him pitching in spring training. Instead, they will allow him to establish his game status in the minors. Painter has shown promise in his young career, including his recent appearance in the Arizona Fall League, but the Phillies are taking a measured approach to his return.
In summary, the Phillies have added depth to their pitching rotation with the return of Jesus Luzardo and the acquisition of Starling Kabah. While there may be some uncertainty with Andrew Painter’s recovery, the Phillies are taking a cautious approach to ensure his long-term success.
FAQ:
Q: What is the current status of Jesus Luzardo’s injury?
A: Luzardo is feeling 100% and has announced that he will be at full strength by the start of spring training.
Q: What is the significance of Starling Kabah’s addition to the Phillies’ farm system?
A: Kabah is a highly regarded shortstop prospect and is expected to be a top-five prospect in MLB.
Q: How will the Phillies handle Andrew Painter’s recovery?
A: The Phillies will have Painter recover from Tommy John surgery in the minors and will not have him pitching in spring training.
Q: Will Jesus Luzardo be a top-notch starter for the Phillies?
A: Luzardo has the potential to be a top-notch starter, but his performance in his last season with the Marlins was subpar.
Conclusion:
The Philadelphia Phillies have made some significant moves this offseason, including the addition of Jesus Luzardo and Starling Kabah to their roster. While there may be some uncertainty with Andrew Painter’s recovery, the Phillies are taking a cautious approach to ensure his long-term success. The addition of Luzardo brings a new dimension to the Phillies’ pitching rotation, and Kabah is expected to be a top-five prospect in MLB. With a strong top-five prospects and a solid pitching rotation, the Phillies are well-positioned to make a run at the playoffs in the upcoming season.
