Jesus Luzardo has blossomed into a frontline ace for the Philadelphia Phillies this season, and his first career complete-game shutout (1-0) against the Atlanta Braves on Monday helped validate that. 

Luzardo also recorded 12 strikeouts and only gave up two hits and one walk while throwing 109 pitches.

Prior to his masterful performance against the division-leading Braves, the left-handed starter had never pitched into the ninth inning through his first 149 career major league starts, so this marked a huge achievement in his career. 

The 28-year-old has provided the Phillies with elite production, boasting a 14-5 record and 2.87 ERA with 221 strikeouts and a microscopic 1.08 WHIP. As well, his 221 strikeouts rank second-best in the NL and are a career-high. 

The gem he threw helped solidify his status as a bonafide ace, and while he's not the favorite in the NL Cy Young race, his dominance has helped carve his way into the conversation.

Jeses Luzardo's first complete-game shutout is making him stand tall

Since signing a five-year, $135 million contract extension in March with the Phillies, Luzardo has proven to be an efficient workhorse with 178.2 innings pitched this season. All things considered, he's been one of the most underrated arms and deserves more attention. 

Luzardo has allowed only eight runs (six earned) across six starts since the beginning of August, illustrating his second-half dominance. He also won NL Pitcher of the Month honors for August after he allowed runs or less across seven consecutive starts. 

This has showcased his shutdown dominance that could make him a weapon in the postseason.

With the postseason around the corner, he has proven that he has the skills to out-duel established starters. Since June 10, he owns the best ERA (1.70) and the most strikeouts (141) and continues to be a lethal weapon on the mound.