Phillies vs Rockies Pick: Philly’s Luzardo Faces Lowly Colorado (May 20)

• Our Phillies vs Rockies pick gauges whether Philly will continue its hot streak at the expense of lowly Colorado
• Philly’s Jesus Luzardo, who has been one of MLB‘s best starters, takes the hill for Philly
• Colorado has played just as badly under interim manager Warren Schaeffer as it did under deposed manager Bud Black
• Veteran Antonio Senzatela starts for Colorado

Luzardo Hopes To Continue His Mastery in Colorado

It’s not as if Jesus Luzardo was an unknown when he arrived in Philadelphia. In 2023, he posted a 4.7 bWAR for the Marlins, striking out 208 batters in 178.2 innings, surrendering 162 hits.

The Phillies acquired him for two prospects to slot in behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Instead, he has emerged as their 1A with Wheeler. Already, he has an MLB-leading 2.6 bWAR, an NL-leading 2.00 ERA, has struck out 57 batters in 54 innings, allowed 49 hits, and 12 earned runs.

For the Rockies against Luzardo, Brenton Doyle is 1 for 3 with a home run. Kyle Farmer is 1 for 7 with a single. Ezequiel Tovar is 1 for 3 with a double. Ryan McMahon is 0 for 6, and Michael Toglia is 0 for 3.

The Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber has an OPS of around .950 and is among the MLB leaders in home runs. Trea Turner is hitting after a shaky start. His average is approaching .300, and he’s stealing bases at a high rate of success. Bryce Harper has been solid, but not spectacular, with an OPS above .800.

The Phillies will be without closer Jose Alvarado due to an 80-day PED suspension.

The Rockies Might Challenge the 2024 White Sox for Worst Team Ever

There’s not much for the Rockies to do except try to trade their tradeable players for the best prospects they can get or financial relief. Of course, no team will take Kris Bryant off their hands. Ryan McMahon could get them some talent in a trade.

Some of their pitchers, like Senzatela, could have value to a team that believes it can make subtle changes to make him productive as he’s sometimes been in the past. He has a 6.79 ERA this season. Of course, any pitcher’s numbers need to be put in the proper context if their home games are at Coors Field. He has given up a ghastly 74 hits in 43.2 innings and 31 earned runs.

Against Senzatela, the Phillies’ Harper is 5 for 15 with a double and 2 home runs. Schwarber is 3 for 10 with a double and a home run. Turner is 7 for 15 with a double. Nick Castellanos is 4 for 10 with a double and a triple. J.T. Realmuto is 6 for 13, all singles.

Phillies vs Rockies Pick: Light Air in Colorado or Not, Luzardo Will Down the Rockies

The Rockies are challenging to be the worst team in history. Philadelphia has been playing very well, and Luzardo has been dominant. The Phillies will keep the Rockies’ plummet going.