Max Kepler is enjoying his first season with the Philadelphia Phillies during what has been a tough start for the team. While the beginning hasn’t been ideal, the pitching rotation has kept things afloat — and one arm, in particular, has caught Kepler’s attention. The outfielder called him a “relief” for the club.
In a recent article by Matt Gelb for The Athletic, two players shared messages about Jesús Luzardo, the pitcher Kepler was referring to. Kepler not only called Luzardo a source of relief but also said he’s grateful to have him on the roster.
“Every time he’s on the mound, I feel relieved,” Kepler said about Luzardo, who currently owns a 1.94 ERA through seven starts. “He goes out and does his thing. It seems like he has a plan, and he executes it every time. So, I’m glad he’s on our team.”
Kepler isn’t the only one high on Luzardo
While Kepler recognized Luzardo’s performance — calling him a “relief” — Phillies manager Rob Thomson also made it clear how much he values what Luzardo brings. “He’s really something,” Thomson said.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 26: Jesús Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 26, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty Images)
Kyle Schwarber also joined the chorus of praise. “There’s just not many things that faze the kid,” Schwarber said. “He’s just out there, and when he’s on the mound, it’s just him and the catcher and the hitter. There’s nobody else in his world, it looks like.”
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Luzardo credits Realmuto for his strong start
Luzardo, for his part, made sure to recognize the role of Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, praising the veteran’s understanding of his game during the current MLB season.
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“He’s been around for a long time. He’s seen a lot of these guys and faced them a lot. At this point, he knows my tendencies. He knows what I like to do and what’s working, what’s not working. That’s another key part about being a catcher — just kind of controlling the game. Being the quarterback back there. So I tip my cap to him. I wouldn’t be here without him.”
