Rob Thomson defends decision after Jesus Luzardo’s collapse in Phillies’ worst loss of the season

The Philadelphia Phillies were left stunned at Citizens Bank Park after enduring their most lopsided defeat of the 2025 MLB season—a bruising 17-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. While the scoreboard told one story, the real drama played out in the dugout, where manager Rob Thomson’s decision-making came under intense scrutiny.

Rather than pull starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo early, Thomson chose to leave him on the mound as the Brewers piled on run after run. By the time Luzardo was finally relieved in the fourth inning, he had surrendered 12 earned runs—nearly six times his ERA heading into the game. The silence from the Phillies’ bullpen only amplified questions about why the manager opted for endurance over prevention.

Thomson faced the music postgame, defending his controversial call amid frustration from fans and media alike. The consequences extend beyond just a single loss; Luzardo’s once-promising Cy Young campaign might now be hanging in the balance.

Thomson justifies decision amid backlash

Speaking to NBC Sports Philadelphia after the game, Thomson did not shy away from explaining his rationale. “Statistics matter,” he said. “You want your guys to have great years, but at some point, too, you’ve got to battle through things, and you’ve got to do it for your teammates. You’ve got to strike that balance.”

Manager Rob Thomson #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies signals the bullpen to make a pitching change on May 23, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Thomson’s remarks point to a philosophy rooted in long-term resilience and team-first mentality. But while that approach may resonate in the clubhouse, it has sparked confusion and criticism outside it. Luzardo’s ballooning ERA—from 2.15 to 3.58—raises questions about whether the balance was worth the potential cost.

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Jesús Luzardo admits tough truth after Phillies’ home embarrassment

A devastating blow to a breakout season

Before this disastrous outing, Luzardo was quickly emerging as one of the National League’s premier arms. In his first 67 innings of 2025, he showcased elite command and poise, positioning himself as a legitimate Cy Young contender alongside fellow rotation leader Zack Wheeler.

Now, with one catastrophic game skewing his statistics, his Cy Young and All-Star aspirations have taken a major hit. While there’s still time to recover, the margin for error just narrowed significantly.

Luzardo’s path forward

Despite the setback, Luzardo’s 2025 campaign isn’t finished. The left-hander still has the tools, the talent, and the stage to regain his place among the league’s elite. If he can string together a series of dominant outings in June and July, both All-Star and Cy Young recognition remain within reach.

But the road ahead just got steeper. And for Rob Thomson, the lingering question is whether one night’s judgment call was too steep a price to pay for a long MLB season’s vision.