Rough Fifth Inning Dooms Jesus Luzardo
4 years agoOakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings pitched in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Monday. Luzardo was cruising in this game with just one run allowed and seven strikeouts through four innings, but the wheels came off in the fifth and the rookie left-hander could not escape the inning. Pitching deeper into games is the biggest thing Luzardo needs to work on to become the ace he was projected to be as a prospect, as he's had several starts this season where he dominates early and then loses it when he faces a lineup multiple times. His stuff is electric, he throws a 96-mph fastball and has two offspeed pitches with 43-plus percent whiff rates. That kind of upside makes him a must-start fantasy option despite some poor performances mixed in.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com