Jun 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland A’s had high hopes for Jesus Luzardo entering this season. After a rollercoaster 2020 campaign, the expectation was that he would take that next step forward, finding the consistency that he had lacked. Some areas had considered him as a dark horse Cy Young candidate this season as he seemed ready to ascend to his expected place as the A’s new ace.