# Phillies Call Luzardo NL Wild Card Opener

> Phillies name Luzardo as Wild Card Game 1 starter after injury recovery.
- Title: Phillies Call Luzardo NL Wild Card Opener · PhillyVoice
- Summary: Phillies name Luzardo as Wild Card Game 1 starter after injury recovery. Phillies will use Luzardo as an opener against the Braves in Wild Card Series after…
- Keywords: phillies, jesus luzardo, nl wild card, atlanta braves, don mattingly, mlb, pitching change, news, local, Call, Luzardo, Wild
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/phillies-jesus-luzardo-opener-nl-wild-card-game-1-mlb-matchup-atlanta-braves-andrew-painter
- Published: 2026-09-28T18:35:11.663+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: phillies, jesus luzardo, nl wild card, atlanta braves, don mattingly, mlb, pitching change, news, local
## Phillies' Wild Card Plan
Phillies name Jesús Luzardo as nl wild card game 1 opener.

> The Phillies are calling Jesús Luzardo their NL Wild Card Game 1 'opener'
## Luzardo's Recent Performance
Luzardo needed four pitches to get through eighth inning against Rays.

> Fresh off a 19-day absence, Jesús Luzardo needed just four pitches Sunday to get through the eighth inning of the Phillies' playoff-clinching win over Tampa Bay
## Manager's Decision
Manager Don Mattingly says Luzardo will 'open' against Braves.

> Manager Don Mattingly told reporters Monday that his southpaw starter would 'open' against the Braves on Tuesday in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series
## Andrew Painter's Role
Rookie Andrew Painter moves to bullpen for potential pitching change.

> Rookie right-hander Andrew Painter, who has been the fifth starter, will move into the bullpen and be ready to go when or if the Phillies decide to make a pitching change
## Luzardo's Injury History
Luzardo missed 19 days with shoulder inflammation since Sept 7.

> Luzardo, who had been on the injured list with shoulder inflammation that kept him off the mound since Sept. 7
## Luzardo's Stats
Luzardo had 10-2 record with 1.66 eras since all-star break.

> From the start of July, Luzardo was 10-2 with a 1.66 ERA and 105 strikeouts in his last 81.1 innings
## What Happens Next
Phillies hope Luzardo returns for postseason.

> The Phillies will have to hope they'll have Jesús Luzardo back for the postseason
## Key takeaway

Phillies will use Luzardo as an opener against the Braves in Wild Card Series after his recent injury and strong performance.