Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jesús Luzardo

How Jesús Luzardo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jesús Luzardo is a Peruvian-born American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. He previously played for the Oakland Athletics and Miami Marlins, making his MLB debut in 2019. Notably, Luzardo represented the Venezuelan national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his talent on an international stage.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1990: First Peru-born player drafted since 1990

In 2016, Luzardo became the first Peru-born player drafted by an MLB team since 1990.

2016: Drafted by the Washington Nationals

In 2016, the Washington Nationals selected Jesús Luzardo in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft.

June 28, 2017: Professional Debut

On June 28, 2017, Jesús Luzardo made his professional debut with the GCL Nationals against the GCL Marlins, reportedly hitting 98 miles per hour with his fastball.

July 16, 2017: Trade to the Oakland Athletics

On July 16, 2017, the Washington Nationals traded Jesús Luzardo, Sheldon Neuse, and Blake Treinen to the Oakland Athletics for Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson.

2018: Minor League Season

In 2018, Luzardo played across three levels, including Stockton Ports, Midland RockHounds, and Nashville Sounds. He had a 10-5 record with a 2.88 ERA and 129 strikeouts, earning him spots on the Texas League's mid and post-season All-Star teams and selection for the All-Star Futures Game.

2018: Coaching at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

In 2018, during the offseason, Jesús Luzardo was coaching at his former high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. On February 14, he narrowly avoided the school shooting due to being late for practice and later set up a fundraiser for the family of Athletic Director Chris Hixon, raising over $10,000.

June 11, 2019: Return to the Mound

On June 11, 2019, after recovering from a strained rotator cuff, Jesús Luzardo returned to the mound with Class A-Advanced Stockton, allowing one run over seven innings in two outings with 11 strikeouts, leading to a promotion to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators.

September 9, 2019: Contract Selected by the Athletics

On September 9, 2019, the Athletics selected Jesús Luzardo's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Jesús Luzardo made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

July 28, 2021: Traded to the Miami Marlins

On July 28, 2021, the Athletics traded Jesús Luzardo to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Starling Marte and cash considerations.

2021: 2021 Season

In 2021, Luzardo began the season in the A's rotation. He was placed on the injured list after accidentally slamming his hand on a table while playing a video game, resulting in a fractured pinky.

2023: 2023 Season

In 2023, Jesús Luzardo made 32 starts for Miami, registering a 10-10 record and 3.58 ERA with 208 strikeouts across 178+2⁄3 innings pitched.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Jesús Luzardo represented the Venezuelan national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic.

December 22, 2024: Trade to the Philadelphia Phillies

On December 22, 2024, the Marlins traded Jesús Luzardo and Paul McIntosh to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd.

2025: 'Striking Out Barriers' Initiative

For the 2025 season, Jesús Luzardo, through his family foundation, donates $100 for each strikeout he records to support youth programs in Philadelphia, as part of his 'Striking Out Barriers' initiative, benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.