Phillies’ Jesús Luzardo takes ‘another step’ in ‘right direction’ as he aims to return from injury in time for postseason

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park, marking his first time throwing off a mound since landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation on September 15. The left-hander used his full pitch arsenal with normal intensity as he aims to return in time for the upcoming postseason.

Interim manager Don Mattingly confirmed that both starting and relief roles remain possible options for Luzardo if he makes the Wild Card Series roster by Tuesday. The Phillies want Luzardo to face live hitters next, provided his shoulder responds well during Friday's recovery evaluation.