Jesús Luzardo is one of the biggest Live Series upgrades from the September 11 Roster Update in MLB The Show 26. The Phillies left-hander jumped from 84 OVR Gold to 87 OVR Diamond, giving Diamond Dynasty players another left-handed starter to consider. Before changing your rotation or spending MLB Stubs, it is worth looking at what makes Luzardo useful and where his card fits.

Why Luzardo's Upgrade Matters

Luzardo gained three overall points in the latest update, the biggest increase among the four players promoted to Diamond. The other new Diamonds were Elly De La Cruz, Jackson Chourio, and Michael Harris II.

For pitchers, the biggest benefit of having a quality lefty is matchup variety. If your rotation is filled with right-handed starters, adding Luzardo gives you a different look and can make lineup selection harder for opponents.

He can be particularly useful against right-handed-heavy teams. Instead of attacking every game with the same pitching style, you can use a southpaw to change the pace and force hitters to adjust.

Where To Use Luzardo

There are several situations where the 87 OVR card can make sense:

• Starting Rotation: Add him when you need another left-handed option.
• Phillies Theme Team: His Diamond rating makes him a natural fit for a Philadelphia-focused squad.
• Live Series Collection: The upgrade gives the card additional collection value.
• Matchup Pitching: Use him when the opposing lineup has several right-handed bats.

If you are building a new rotation, you can also buy MLB Stubs and compare Luzardo with other available starters before committing your resources.

Watch His Real-Life Status

There is one important detail to remember with a Live Series card: the real player still matters.

Luzardo threw a two-hit, 109-pitch shutout against the Braves on September 7. He was then scratched from his scheduled September 12 start because of shoulder stiffness. On September 15, the Phillies placed him on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation, retroactive to September 12.

Reports indicated that an MRI found no structural damage, although his return timetable and postseason status were not immediately certain. That means players who actively follow the Live Series market should keep an eye on future Phillies updates.

Is Luzardo Worth Adding?

The answer depends heavily on your current rotation. If you already have several strong left-handed starters, Luzardo may not immediately solve a roster problem. If your rotation lacks a reliable southpaw, however, an 87 OVR Live Series starter is worth testing.

Do not judge him only by overall rating. Compare his pitching attributes, handedness, stamina, and pitch mix with the starters already on your roster.

Players looking to make several smaller roster upgrades may prefer saving cheap MLB Stubs rather than replacing a position that is already performing well.

Simple Luzardo Strategy

When using Luzardo, focus on keeping hitters uncomfortable rather than throwing the same pitch repeatedly.

Try this approach:

• Mix fastballs and breaking pitches early.
• Use different locations instead of living in the middle of the zone.
• Pay attention to how the opponent reacts to breaking balls.
• Attack right-handed hitters with a varied pitch sequence.
• Change your approach after seeing the same hitter multiple times.

The goal is to make the opponent think about location and timing instead of simply sitting on one pitch.

Final Thoughts

Luzardo's jump to 87 OVR gives Diamond Dynasty players another option for building a more varied pitching staff. His left-handed matchup potential, Phillies connection, and new Diamond status make him worth checking after the September update.

At the same time, his recent shoulder issue is something Live Series players should monitor before making major market moves. If you are upgrading your rotation, compare the card with your existing options first, then check current buy MLB Stubs options if you need additional resources. With future roster updates still ahead, Luzardo's card could remain an interesting one to watch throughout the season.