Interviewing an MLB manager during a game always carries the risk of the game itself causing some tension. This was the case for Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson on Wednesday.
While speaking with ESPN in the second inning with Jesús Luzardo pitching, Thomson was discussing Opening Day preparations when a bases-loaded, two-out situation turned into an opposite-field grand slam by Jahmai Jones.
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Thomson’s only response was, “Looked like a changeup.” His words proved correct, but he was soon silenced as Andy Ibáñez and Gleyber Torres hit back-to-back home runs on the next two pitches from Luzardo.
In-game interviews rarely get more awkward, especially when ESPN’s broadcasters tried to engage Thomson in a conversation about spring training just as Torres hit his home run.
Those three home runs contributed to a 17-7 Tigers victory. Luzardo struggled, allowing six runs and six hits with a walk and two strikeouts in two innings on 40 pitches.
While spring training games are not definitive, Luzardo’s performance is of concern to the Phillies. Luzardo was acquired from Miami in a significant trade, giving up prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd. Caba is currently the second-ranked prospect in the Marlins’ farm system, according to MLB Pipeline.
Although the Phillies have a strong rotation, Luzardo was seen as a high-risk, high-reward addition. He showed promise in 2022 and 2023 but struggled with injuries, resulting in a 5.00 ERA in 56 2/3 innings last season due to a lumbar stress reaction.
Thomson, in his third season as the Phillies’ manager, previously led them to the 2022 World Series as an interim manager. He recently signed a contract extension through the 2026 season.