As the 2026 MLB season concludes, the Philadelphia Phillies are days away from clinching a postseason berth for the fifth straight year. The club is currently 86-70 and the No. 6 seed in the National League.
Philadelphia is four games up on the outside-looking-in Arizona Diamondbacks, and only one game back of both the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs for the higher Wild Card seeds.
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The Phillies, if they make the playoffs, will have to play in the best-of-three Wild Card round. One would have to think that lefty ace Cristopher Sánchez and veteran righty Zack Wheeler will pitch.
That being said, their best pitcher over the last few months has been presently injured left-hander Jesús Luzardo. Before landing on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation retroactive to Sept. 12, he had a 1.65 ERA with 124 strikeouts in his 14 most recent starts.
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Luzardo’s playoff availability
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks
Sep 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
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An injury like pitching arm shoulder inflammation can be tricky when it comes to putting a timeline on it. Luzardo apparently suffered the injury after his Labor Day start versus the Atlanta Braves, so he has been out of action for approximately two weeks.
The Wild Card round runs from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, so it may be doubtful that Luzardo can make a start for that series. However, it may be possible for him to take on a bullpen role.
When asked on Tuesday, Phillies manager Don Mattingly said that Luzardo is “trending in the right direction.” The quote was reported by Tim Kelly of OnPattison.
Phillies’ postseason outlook
If the season ended today, the Phillies would take on their division rival Braves in Atlanta for the Wild Card round. If they take that series, they would then play the Los Angeles Dodgers at their house.
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If Luzardo is not a go for the Wild Card, then the club will perhaps need to find a capable Game 3 starter. That would likely put longtime Phillie Aaron Nola on the bump. Though his season numbers are not great, he has pitched exceptionally well lately.
Nola’s run as of late included back-to-back starts against the Braves early in September, where he twirled 13 ⅓ innings while allowing only three runs. He could be a worthy option if Luzardo cannot go.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
