Philadelphia Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo took a big step in his recovery Sunday, throwing for about 10 minutes with bullpen catcher Hector Rabago ahead of the team's series finale against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The session was his first full catch in nine days after the left-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation.

Luzardo was originally scratched from his Sept. 12 start against the Atlanta Braves because of shoulder stiffness and was placed on the IL three days later. He has not pitched since Sept. 7, when he completed a shutout versus Atlanta. Before Sunday, he had not thrown a baseball for nine days.

The Phillies brought head team physician Steven Cohen to New York over the weekend to examine Luzardo. Cohen cleared the All-Star pitcher to begin his throwing program.

“Obviously, positive signs with him,” Interim manager Don Mattingly said, via Matt Gelb on The Athletic. “Getting better and better. The last couple of days, the range of motion was back. There was no more stiffness.”

There may have been a recent test of Luzardo's inflamed left shoulder, according to Gelb, although nothing has been confirmed. The next major checkpoint will come when he throws a bullpen session, which could happen this week. Although Luzardo can be activated for Philadelphia's final regular-season game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 27, the club does not expect him to pitch in that game.

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If Luzardo is healthy enough to return for the postseason, his role remains unsettled. Mattingly and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have indicated that both a starting assignment and a bullpen role remain possibilities. However, the team appears to be considering him primarily as a reliever to begin the postseason if he is ready but not yet prepared to start.

Luzardo's potential return comes as Philadelphia manages a struggling bullpen. Orion Kerkering was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after logging an 11.57 ERA across his last nine appearances and a 10.24 ERA over 22 appearances since July 22. Max Lazar was recalled to replace him.

The Phillies entered Sunday with seven games remaining and a four-game advantage over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third National League Wild Card spot. Jonathan Bowlan, dealing with a mild right groin strain, also played catch Sunday, with the team optimistic he can pitch in the NL Wild Card Series if Philadelphia qualifies.

The Wild Card Series begins Sept. 29, giving Luzardo another target as he works through his throwing program.