Phillies Stumble, Luzardo Struggles

0:00It's April 17th. Welcome to MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. The Philadelphia Phillies are stumbling early this season, dropping three straight series after starting strong with two wins. They wrapped up their 9-game homestand with a third against the Chicago Cubs, taking the opener 13-7, but getting crushed 10-4, and 11-2 in the next two. Jesus Lazardo's start in the finale was rough, as the Cubs tagged him for 9 runs on 12 hits over 5-1-3 innings. His earned run average sits at 7.94 now, with a 1.46 walks plus hits per inning pitched, though his 30 strikeouts. In 22 and 2-3s innings show some promise. The lineup struggled big time against lefty Shota Imanaga, who struck out 11-over-6 innings after Tria Turner's early solo shot. And Mundo Sosa sparked things with four hits, a double, homer, and three RBIs, putting heat on guys like Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott, for more playing. Time. On a brighter note, Christopher Sanchez is stepping

1:03up as the ace was Zach Wheeler still rehabbing. He wins six innings against the Cubs, allowing two earned runs on six hits and three walks, while fanning eight, boosting his season line to two-and. One, 2.02 ERA, and 31 strikeouts in 22 and 1-3 innings. As they head into their first divisional clash with the Atlanta Braves, manager Rob Thompson has plenty to tweak to get the squad clicking before. Things spiral further.