A's top prospect Jesus Luzardo found himself starting on a major league mound on Sunday. While it wasn't a major league game, the 20-year-old could soon see himself back at a major league ballpark before we know it.
Luzardo started for the World All-Stars in the All-Star Futures Game against the USA All-Stars at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The lefty quickly made an impression as he retired his first two batters, sitting in the upper 90s with his fastball.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The third batter wasn't quite as kind to Luzardo. Rockies prospect Brendan Rodgers doubled on a 3-2 fastball and Rays prospect Nate Lowe knocked him in before being thrown out at second base.
In total, Luzardo tossed two innings and allowed the lone run. He gave up three hits, struck out two and did not walk a batter. Of his 29 pitches, 19 were strikes.
Luzardo started the season in Advanced Single-A and was promoted to Double-A Midland after just three starts. Between Stockton and Midland, Luzardo is 8-4 with a 2.30 ERA. He has struck out 99 batters in 78.1 innings and has a lowly 0.96 WHIP.