This story was excerpted from the Phillies Beat newsletter, with MLB.com's Jared Greenspan writing this version. To read the full newsletter, click here . And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

When the Phillies acquired Jesús Luzardo from the Marlins last December, it didn’t seem like the left-hander would slot into the team’s eventual playoff rotation.

But Philadelphia is now navigating the pennant race -- as it will October -- without its unquestioned ace, Zack Wheeler. On paper, the Phillies are as equipped as anyone to handle such an absence, thanks to an embarrassment of pitching riches. That includes the stability provided by Luzardo, who is hitting his stride at the perfect time.

Luzardo, 27, has pitched to a 2.64 ERA in an eight-start span since July 29, aft

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