A Journey Through Challenges and Growth
Jesús Luzardo has a deep understanding of what it means to face setbacks on the mound. This experience isn’t limited to this season, where he has experienced both highs and lows in his first year with the Phillies. Luzardo’s journey began when he was just 19 years old, suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament that required Tommy John surgery. He spent the following months working through the recovery process while also managing the pressures of being a top prospect.
“From my personal experience, it took me probably a full year and a half removed from Tommy John to feel completely like myself,” Luzardo shared. His path to recovery wasn’t easy, but it laid the foundation for his resilience as a pitcher.
A Shared Path with Andrew Painter
Luzardo’s story echoes that of another Phillies prospect, Andrew Painter, who underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2023 at the age of 20. The two pitchers, who both hail from South Florida, have been friends since Painter was in high school. They were introduced by a common coach and quickly developed a bond based on their shared passion for baseball.
“I saw him throw, and I obviously had heard about him, and knew he was a stud,” Luzardo recalled. Both players train at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens during the offseason and have grown closer over the years, especially after Luzardo invited Painter to join his group for post-workout pickleball sessions.
Although they haven’t seen each other since spring training, when their lockers were just a few stalls apart in the home clubhouse in Clearwater, they remain in regular contact. “His spirits are up, always,” Luzardo said. “And he’s always the same Painter.”
Navigating the Ups and Downs
Painter’s first season following his surgery hasn’t gone exactly as planned. The Phillies had envisioned a timeline for his major league debut around July, but that has come and gone. So far, Painter has posted a 4.98 ERA over 97⅔ innings across low-A and triple A, with some struggles in command. Luzardo, who went through a similar experience, understands the challenges that come with such a journey.
“We talk a good bit,” Luzardo said. “Just having him understand that it’s normal, going through growing pains. You’re not always going to be throwing hard, the command’s the last thing to normally come back. Understanding that you’re not going to feel like yourself for the most part.”
Luzardo himself underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2016, a few months before being drafted by the Washington Nationals. After healing, he faced the realities of professional baseball, learning to adapt and grow.
A Supportive Presence
Luzardo has served as a sounding board for Painter, offering guidance and support throughout his recovery. However, he believes Painter is handling the process well on his own. “I was younger than he was, and I think he’s more polished than I was at the time,” Luzardo said. “He’s such a mature kid for his age, and he understands that it’s not going to be perfect every time.”
Both players share a similar trajectory in terms of expectations and pressure. Before making his major league debut with Oakland in 2019, Luzardo was the A’s top-ranked prospect and 12th overall by MLB Pipeline. Painter currently holds the 10th overall ranking. Their paths have been marked by growth, maturity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the sport.
A Calm and Level-Headed Approach
Luzardo doesn’t believe Painter will need advice on how to handle the pressures of being a top prospect. “He handles it so well that I’ve never once in my mind thought to be like, ‘Oh, let me talk to Painter about this,’ because he does such a good job,” Luzardo said. “He’s just so levelheaded, and extremely calm.”
As Painter continues his journey, the support from someone who has walked a similar path can be invaluable. With patience, perseverance, and a strong mindset, he’s on track to make his mark in the majors.
Additional Notes
Nick Castellanos was not in Monday’s lineup against Mets right-hander Kodai Senga. Brandon Marsh started in left field, Harrison Bader in center, and Max Kepler in right. Rob Thomson discussed the outfield rotation plan with Castellanos on Sunday. Ranger Suárez was named National League player of the week for the first time in his career. Over his last two starts, Suárez struck out 21 and walked zero. Luzardo (12-6, 4.10 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea (1-2, 5.15).
