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Jesus Luzardo giving A’s fans something to root for

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at the RingCentral Coliseum on September 21, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 12-3. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at the RingCentral Coliseum on September 21, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 12-3. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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One player from each Major League Baseball team is participating in a competitive MLB the Show league. Jesus Luzardo is set to be the Oakland A’s representative.

Currently, the Major League Baseball season is on hiatus, without a set date as to when the league will start up once more. The teams, players, and fans are in an indefinite holding pattern, waiting for the word that the game will begin anew. Until then, all we can do is just that – wait.

While we are waiting, the Major League Baseball Player’s Association and Sony Interactive Entertainment have come up with an idea – a competitive MLB the Show league. Each team will be represented by one specific player, with each team playing a 29 game schedule. The games will be three to five innings, with the top eight teams making the postseason. There will be a best of three format for the first two rounds, with the championship being decided in a best of five series.

Jesus Luzardo will be taking the controls of the Oakland A’s for the tournament. Just like every other player, Luzardo is expected to stream the game via his Twitch account, giving A’s fans a place to watch the action.

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The specific rules are interesting as well. Designated hitters are turned off, and umpires are set to perfect (so no virtual Angel Hernandez). Hitting is set to Veteran, and pitching is at All Star difficulty. Quick pitches, quick counts, and balks are also turned off.

Fans and players will be able to interact as well. MLB Network broadcaster Robert Flores and another player will facilitate conversations, giving the fans a chance to get to know the players a bit more. Additionally, MLB, the MLBPA, and Sony are donating $5000 to the Boys and Girls Club in each player’s city, with another $25,000 being donated to the club in the winning player’s name.

One has to assume that Luzardo will choose himself to pitch for the A’s. Even though we may have to wait to actually see him in action for the A’s this season, hopefully, he can give us a taste of what is to come.

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Oakland A’s fans will have a chance to root for Jesus Luzardo soon. We may not have baseball just yet, but we may have the next best thing.