The Chicago Cubs could’ve had Jesus Luzardo.
Instead, they’ll face him in a Phillies uniform on Saturday.
The Miami Marlins were shopping Luzardo in December, and as The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports, Chicago had the deal done.
Only at the last minute did the Cubs back out after reviewing Luzardo’s medical records, which raised concerns about the southpaw’s back and elbow.
The Phillies then swooped in to get Luzardo for themselves.
It’s worked out brilliantly so far for Philadelphia. The glasses-donning star has a 2.08 ERA through five starts with 36 strikeouts in 30.1 innings.
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“Last year, the back obviously was a lingering problem every start,” Luzardo told The Athletic. “It wouldn’t really let me get to where I wanted physically. Having eliminated that, I feel way better.”
The Cubs could’ve especially used Luzardo after their early injury woes.
Justin Steele was expected to be the season-long ace but needed Tommy John surgery. Starting pitcher Javier Assad is currently shut down in his injury recovery, too.
The Cubs still have a solidly performing rotation and can contend in the NL Central.
But Luzardo is dealing in the NL East, instead, and it’s a painful outcome for Cubs fans who would’ve loved to get the 27-year old in the rec specs.
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