Phillies Place Luzardo on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation

The Philadelphia Phillies placed All-Star pitcher Jesús Luzardo on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with left shoulder inflammation, a significant setback for the team's postseason push. The move, retroactive to September 12, makes Luzardo eligible to return only on the final day of the regular season, September 27. Luzardo, who was scratched from his scheduled start on September 12 due to shoulder stiffness, did not improve enough to progress to a throwing session before Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals. An MRI exam did not reveal any serious structural damage, according to the team. Interim manager Don Mattingly said the team has not ruled Luzardo out for a potential postseason start, though the timeline is uncertain. "We just have to take care of our business to get there," Mattingly said, referring to the team's need to secure a playoff spot first. Luzardo expressed confidence he will pitch in the playoffs. "Guaranteed," he said, though he acknowledged the goal is to start and he cannot be completely certain.