Jesus Luzardo Gets First All-Star Nod as Phillies Host Midsummer Classic

Jesus Luzardo is going to his first All-Star Game. And he’ll be pitching in front of his home crowd.

The Phillies left-hander was added to the National League roster on Tuesday as a replacement for Jacob Misiorowski, Paul Skenes and Max Meyer — all of whom started on Sunday and are ineligible to pitch in the game. Luzardo joins a growing list of Phillies heading to Citizens Bank Park for next week’s exhibition: Cristopher Sanchez, Brandon Marsh, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.

Luzardo has been quietly excellent. Through 18 starts this season, he owns a 3.75 ERA and has been particularly sharp lately. Over his last five outings, he’s allowed just six runs total, and the Phillies have won all five of those games. That kind of heater got him over the hump for his first career All-Star selection.

The Phillies are riding a hot stretch as a team, and having five guys in the All-Star Game — with a sixth (Zack Wheeler) having a real argument for a spot — is a sign of how deep this roster is. Wheeler, who’s been lights out since returning from thoracic outlet syndrome, is scheduled to pitch Sunday and therefore can’t throw in the game. But the numbers suggest he’s All-Star caliber.

Other NL additions

Braxton Ashcraft of the Pirates and Riley O’Brien of the Cardinals also joined the NL staff Tuesday. Ashcraft has nine wins in 18 starts this year. O’Brien leads the NL in saves. Both are in as injury replacements and because of the Sunday starter rule.

Misiorowski and Skenes were the NL’s last two starters before the break, which automatically disqualified them from pitching in the game. It’s a quirk of the schedule that opens the door for Luzardo and the others.

Harper and Schwarber haven’t committed to the Home Run Derby yet, but it’s possible they get a hometown bump there too. The Derby is always a crowd-pleaser, and having two Phillies sluggers swinging in front of their own fans would be something.

The All-Star Game is set for Tuesday, July 15. With Sanchez also on the staff, there’s even talk about who might get the start for the NL in front of the Philly faithful. Either way, the home team will be well represented.