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Oakland A’s: 3 biggest disappointments of first half

By David Hill

Jun 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Jesus Luzardo

This was supposed to be the year that Jesus Luzardo took that next step forward. He was considered a dark horse candidate to compete for the AL Cy Young award, and was ready to ascend to his throne as the Oakland A’s ace.

The key was going to be Luzardo’s consistency. He had moments were he looked dominant, only to be completely ordinary in his next outing. If he was going to be the pitcher that the A’s, and the baseball world, expected, he would need to find a way to continue that strong showing almost every time out.

Instead, the 2021 season has been a disaster. Luzardo continued to be inconsistent, and then broke a finger while playing video games. The A’s put him in the bullpen when he returned from his stint on in the Injured List, only for Luzardo to be even worse in a relief role. He was finally sent back to Triple-A, only to struggle even more.

Through his 38 major league innings, Luzardo has posted a 6.87 ERA and a 1.632 WHiP, striking out 40 batters with 16 walks. He has been extremely homer prone, allowing 11 home runs, including at least one homer in his last five major league outings. Needless to say, the A’s expected a lot more from him this year.

Jesus Luzardo was supposed to take that next step forward this year. Instead, he is back in Triple-A, where his struggles have been even worse.