Jesús Luzardo: Everything you need to know on A's top pitcher prospect

Share

Who is A’s pitcher Jesús Luzardo?

A possible top-15 fantasy pitcher in 2020? Sure.

An AL Rookie of the Year candidate? Definitely.

But the 22-year-old lefty is so much more than that. 

Before the A’s

The Washington Nationals drafted the talented pitcher in the third round in 2016 out of Stoneman Douglas High School. Luzardo underwent Tommy John surgery around the time of the draft, but the Nats are known to take a chance on a guy despite the surgery.

Not a bad decision at all. 

The A's acquired Luzardo, Sheldon Neuse and Blake Treinen in 2017 from the Nationals in a trade for Ryan Madson and fan-favorite Sean Doolittle. Since then, he has been considered one of the best prospects in baseball.

With the A’s

During his stint last season with Triple-A Las Vegas, he boasted a 3.19 ERA with 1.19 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 31 innings while pitching in a hitter’s haven in the PCL.

In 12 innings of relief after he was promoted to the A’s in 2019, Luzardo tallied a 1.50 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 12 innings. His spring training numbers would make you blush also, but I don’t want you filling my comments with the nonsense that “those numbers don’t count.”

Eh … I’ll do it anyway. 

In 8 1/3 innings of Cactus League play this year, he struck out 13 batters. See? That was worth bringing up. 

Oh, and he has only allowed six hits since his MLB debut after facing 58 batters in the regular season and playoffs.

His background

Luzardo is the first Peruvian-born player to play in Major League Baseball. He's also Venezuelan. 

Not a contact guy

On the mound, Luzardo is usually wearing his prescription Oakley glasses while he pitches and decides to forego contact lenses.

“My glasses are kind of like a routine for me,” he told NBC Sports California's Brodie Brazil. “When I pitch or throw without them, it’s kind of just weird. It’s more of a comfort thing.”

Hey, don’t mess with what works.

[RELATED: A's position battles heading into Summer Camp]

Now for the important stuff ... 

Luzardo’s (very proud) mom Monica, says that believe it or not, he’s very shy, but he has a big heart and is a hard worker.

I could see that. 

“His favorite Disney movie when he was young was ‘Mulan,’ ” she said. He also loves to fish and also is an excellent baker. His specialty? Tres Leches Cake, which is a Venezuelan dessert. 

Contact Us