Phillies place Jesús Luzardo on IL amid tight NL East race, but not ruling him out for playoff roster

The Philadelphia Phillies have suffered a major blow ahead of the postseason. Left-hander Jesús Luzardo has been placed on the injured list Tuesday, three days after he was scratched from a start with shoulder stiffness, the team announced Tuesday An MRI revealed no structural damage, though Luzardo doesn't feel as good as hoped with his recovery.

LHP Kyle Backhus was recalled to take Luzardo's roster spot.

"I told them I don't feel comfortable throwing," Luzardo said Tuesday afternoon (via The Athletic). "I know where we're at. I know it's an important part of the season. I want to be out there for the guys. But I feel like I'd be doing a disservice to them if I'm not at my best."

By backdating the 15-day IL stint the maximum three days, Luzardo is eligible to return next Saturday, Sept. 26, though it is unclear if he will be ready for the postseason. Mattingly said on Tuesday that they are not ruling him out for a playoff start. The shoulder issue popped up after Luzardo's brilliant two-hit shutout against the Atlanta Braves last week, during which he struck out 12 and threw 109 pitches.

"Ideally, the timeline does work out that…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/