2020 MLB season: five Pitchers to Watch for
2020 MLB season: 5 Pitchers to Watch for
Jesus Luzardo, Oakland A’s
The 22-year-old Peruvian left-hander made his MLB debut in 2019, hurling twelve innings in which he only surrendered two runs, issued only three walks, and compiled sixteen strikeouts with two saves. He was slated to make the A’s rotation out of Spring Training last season, yet he became sidelined by a rotator cuff strain, which became compiled with a lat strain during rehab.
He features a three-pitch repertoire, which evenly splits the time between a four-seam fastball – occupying approximately 50% of his pitches – and curveball and change-up, which take up 30% and 20% respectively.
The fastball averages out at slightly over 96 mph, yet it can and has frequently touched 97 or above. It is not necessarily the most tantalizing pitch to swing at, as he employs it more so as a set-up for his secondary pitches. The four-seamer allows Jesus Luzardo to establish the strike zone, whereas the change and curve allow him to extend it.
The curve is particularly deceptive because it not only proceeds with a befuddling break, it also bends away from lefties and in towards righties. The change-up is thrown in the exact same plane as his four-seamer, yet it seems just halts and meanderingly drifts into the catcher’s mitt.
Therefore, the impressive complement of pitches allows Luzardo to stand out with the potential of a riveting run in Oakland during the 2020 MLB season.