by Bill Moriarity / A’s Farm Editor
Since being acquired by the A’s from Washington as part of the Sean Doolittle/Ryan Madson deal back in the summer of 2017, Jesus Luzardo has done nothing but impress. And on the strength of an outstanding season last year, Baseball America and MLB Pipeline both named Luzardo as the top left-handed pitching prospect in the game this offseason.
In 2018, Luzardo blew threw three levels – dominating at High-A Stockton and Double-A Midland before making four starts for Triple-A Nashville late in the season – and he finished the year averaging 10.6 K/9 while posting an ERA of just 2.88.
Not only can Luzardo’s fastball touch the high-90s, but he possesses an excellent changeup and a solid curveball as well. What really sets the southpaw apart, though, is his poise and maturity on the mound. Luzardo also possesses outstanding control and impressive command of all his pitches. And over the course of last season, he walked just 30 batters in his 23 starts.
Still just 21, Luzardo has been competing for a spot in the A’s starting rotation this spring, putting up 15 strikeouts and allowing just 1 earned run over 9 2/3 innings in his effort to earn a spot. Whether or not he ends up making the A’s opening day rotation, Luzardo is likely to be pitching in the majors sometime this season, and he should ultimately prove to be a dominant force in the A’s starting rotation for years to come. We took the opportunity to talk to Luzardo earlier this week in Mesa, just before the A’s notched a walk-off win in the team’s final Cactus League contest…
AF: You’ve obviously performed well here in camp this spring. But spring training is also a time for working on things. So, what have you been working on this spring?
JL: I’ve definitely been working on keeping my fastball command. That’s something I pride myself on. And I’m going to keep working on that and hopefully getting it 100% before the season.
AF: The last time we spoke, I know you said you were thinking a lot about your pitch sequencing.
JL: I think I’ve gotten better at it since last year. I still keep it in my mind, but I don’t try to put too much focus on it.
AF: So, it sounds like your fastball command is what you’ve mainly been thinking about. Is there anything else at all you’ve been working on this spring?
JL: That’s been the main focus. But other than that, just getting a feel for all my pitches.
AF: You faced some more experienced hitters at the end of last season at Triple-A and now you’ve been facing a lot of major league hitters here in camp this spring. How different do you find the hitters’ approach at these higher levels?
JL: Yeah, hitters’ approach here is definitely a lot more mature. They know what they’re looking for, and they study a little more. So, I think it’s a good experience, and I think I’ve handled it pretty well.
AF: Are there any pitchers here on the staff who’ve helped you out or offered you some useful advice this spring?
JL: Yeah, just about the whole pitching staff. I’ve talked to all of them, even the hitters. I kind of chew at them and see what they’ve got and pick their brains a little bit. If I’ve got any questions, I ask them and they help me out. It’s something that’s definitely helped me out a lot.
AF: What about A’s pitching coach Scott Emerson? Has he had many words of advice for you this spring?
JL: He’s a great pitching coach. He kind of lets you do your thing. But at the same time, when you need it, he helps you out and gives you good advice. He knows the right things to say to settle you down, so he’s been a lot of help.
AF: We all know that you’ve been vying for a spot in the A’s starting rotation this spring. Does that put any additional pressure on you or do you like that kind of competition?
JL: I don’t really feel too much pressure. I’ve never really been one to feel pressure. I love competition. I’m a competitor. When I’m on the mound, I’m definitely a different person. But I go out there every day and I look at it how I did last year when I was in High-A – I just go out there and try to do my best.
AF: What do you feel your greatest strength is as a pitcher?
JL: I mix my speeds pretty well. I’ve got a pretty good fastball. I really don’t think I’ve added anything different than I did last year, but I just feel like I know how to pitch.
AF: How’s your feel for all your pitches this spring? Is everything working for you?
JL: Yeah, everything’s really working – other than my fastball. I mean, my fastball’s been working too. It’s just I’d like to command it a little more than I have been. But that’s just me being picky to be honest. But, yeah, I feel like everything’s been working lately.
AF: When you can put that fastball where you want it, everything else falls right into place, doesn’t it?
JL: Yeah, absolutely.
AF: And have you been completely healthy and feeling good physically all spring?
JL: I’m completely healthy.
AF: After coming back from Tommy John surgery, you were on an innings limit last year. But has anyone said anything about there being any sort of limitations on how much you might be allowed to pitch this year or, as far as you know, are you just free to go?
JL: As far as I know, I’m free to go.
AF: Growing up, were there any particular pitchers you idolized or looked at as role models for yourself?
JL: Definitely Johan Santana and Felix Hernandez – those were my two.
AF: Sean Murphy caught you a lot last year at Midland. And people look at the two of you as guys who may be playing prominent roles with the A’s in the future. So, can you tell me a little bit about how feel about working with Sean Murphy behind the plate?
JL: Murph’s a great catcher and just a great guy all around, and we get along really well. If you’ve seen him catch, he’s a wall behind the plate, but he’s also really smart in the way he calls pitches. We have a good connection. He knows what I want, and I know where he likes it and where he wants it. It’s just a good mix. We have a good friendship, a good relationship, aside from being a great catcher and a great hitter. So, he’s good to have on the team.
AF: When the A’s were making that strong late-season run last year, were you able to spend much time watching that? And did it ever make you think, “Man, I really want to be in the middle of something like that?”
JL: Yeah, definitely. When I was in Double-A and Triple-A, we saw that. And when I went home, I watched the wild card game. It means a lot, and it motivates you to do well. You want to be a part of a winning team and a part of a team that makes the playoffs every year. So, you want to contribute.
AF: Well, hopefully you’re in the right place for that!
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