Phillies

Jesus Luzardo Will Start Game 2 of the NLDS

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Oct 4th, 2025 · 3:33 PM EDT

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Jesus Luzardo will start Game 2 of the NLDS, Rob Thomson confirmed to reporters pregame Saturday.

Luzardo has excelled at Citizens Bank Park this season, posting a 4.16 ERA over 16 starts. I know, that number doesn’t seem good. But if you take away his 12 earned run outing against the Brewers earlier in the season, he’s posted a 3.13 ERA at The Bank.

The Phillies are trusting Ranger Suarez’s postseason history by throwing him in Game 3. The lefty has posted a 1.43 ERA across 37.2 postseason innings with the Phillies, holding a 1.04 WHIP and allowing just six earned runs while striking out 40.

Suarez has posted better numbers on the road this year, which makes the decision to start Luzardo in Game 2 easier. Suarez has tallied a 2.84 ERA on the road, compared to a 3.54 ERA at CBP in 2025.

This sets up Luzardo to start a Game 5, if necessary, at Citizens Bank Park. If the series gets there, it’ll be all hands on deck when it comes to the pitching staff.

Here’s the Phillies lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS that kicks off in about 3 hours. Thomson also said that Suarez could be available out of the bullpen on Saturday night, if needed.

Phillies lineup in Game 1:

Turner 6
Schwarber DH
Harper 3
Bohm 5
Marsh 7
Realmuto 2
Kepler 9
Bader 8
Stott 4
 
Sánchez LHP

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) October 4, 2025