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Oakland A’s had no other option with Jesus Luzardo

By David Hill

Jun 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez (left) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (right) during the eighth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez (left) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (right) during the eighth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s were essentially forced into a no-win situation. Jesus Luzardo is supposed to be the future of the pitching staff, particularly in the rotation. However, he had struggled before being placed on the Injured List, and had been a disaster in the bullpen once he returned. The A’s could not use him, but they also did not want to destroy what confidence he had left.

In the end, Luzardo was sacrificed to make a move to improve the bullpen. He was sent back to Triple-A, with the A’s bringing former top prospect Domingo Acevedo up to take his place.

Jesus Luzardo had to be sent down

It was really the only move that the A’s could make. Luzardo was essentially only useful in a mop-up role at this point, either serving as the A’s victory cigar with a large enough lead, or as the white flag if they were being annihilated.

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His numbers on the season were certainly bad enough. Luzardo had posted a 6.87 ERA and a 1.632 WHiP over his 38 innings. Although he had struck out 40 batters with just 16 walks in that span, he also allowed 11 homers between his time in the rotation and as a reliever. He had already allowed two more homers in 21 fewer innings than in 2020.

Luzardo had been utterly atrocious in his last five outings. He allowed 11 runs on 11 hits and three walks over his last six innings with six homers. In fact, he allowed at least one homer in every one of those outings as he simply could not be trusted in a close ballgame any longer.

At 23 years old, there is plenty of time for Luzardo to find his way once again. He can still be a key part of the A’s future, even as soon as in the next couple of weeks. But in order for that to happen, he needs to find his way once again, to get his confidence back and to be able to get the opposition out. The A’s cannot wait for that to happen at the major league level.

dark. Next. Luzardo has become completely unusable

The Oakland A’s have sent Jesus Luzardo to Triple-A. Considering how much he has struggled lately, it was a move they needed to make.