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Oakland Athletics: Finding the Team’s Next Ace

By Sean O'Leary

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Barry Zito #75 of the Oakland Athletics throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 30, 2015 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Barry Zito #75 of the Oakland Athletics throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 30, 2015 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Athletics: Jesus Luzardo
(Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Jesus Luzardo 

Luzardo was one of the biggest prospect risers of the past couple of years. According to MLB Pipeline, he wasn’t even ranked in the Top 100 prospects in 2017, and by the end of the year in 2018, he was all the way up to number 12 and was the top-ranked left-handed pitching prospect.

Luzardo features a fastball that sits mid-90s, along with his best offspeed pitch, his changeup, which MLB pipeline has given a 60 on the 20-80 scouting scale, meaning it is a plus pitch. He also has a curveball, which is a 55 on MLB Pipeline, so it’s above average.

Luzardo was terrific in 2018 across three levels of the minors. In 109 1/3 innings, Luzardo struck out 129 batters, 10.6 K/9, and a 2.88 ERA. It was only that high because in four starts at Triple-A Nashville, he had a 7.31 ERA. That’s not too concerning because the PCL is an extremely hitter-friendly league, and a lot of pitchers struggle. At Double-A Midland in 2018, Luzardo had a 2.29 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 78 2/3 innings.

The 21-year-old lefty pitched in Spring Training with the Major League club in 2019. In four appearances, including two starts, Luzardo gave up just one earned run in 9 2/3 innings, including 15 strikeouts.

It seemed like Luzardo might make the opening day roster, but late in Spring Training he went down with a muscle strain in his shoulder. He is currently set to make his season debut at Double-A Midland on June 11.

Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs tweeted that Luzardo has been sitting 95-97 in his extended Spring Training, on about a 25 pitch count. He could be up in the majors very soon if he pitches well on his rehab stint, and could be a very important part of the Oakland Athletics rotation going forward.

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