Athletics' No. 1 prospect Luzardo shut down 4-6 weeks
The Oakland Athletics are shutting down their top prospect, left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo, after he suffered a muscle strain in his shoulder, general manager David Forst told Daniel Brown of the Athletic.
Luzardo, who did not travel to Japan for Oakland's two-game opening series against the Seattle Mariners, apparently came into camp on Tuesday complaining of soreness. As a result, he won't throw for four-to-six weeks.
The 21-year-old is considered the No. 12 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline and the No. 1 left-handed pitcher.
The former third-round pick had posted an immaculate 0.93 ERA over 9 2/3 innings this spring, leading some to believe he could make the Athletics' Opening Day roster. Meanwhile, the team appeared to indicate Luzardo had a chance to crack the rotation when it optioned starter Daniel Mengden to the minors prior to the Japan Opening Series.
Last season, Luzardo earned a pair of promotions in the minor leagues, authoring a 2.88 ERA across three levels.