Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola, who has struggled in the early part of the 2025 season, has shown signs of improvement after an ankle injury. Nola’s recent recovery is significant as the Phillies prepare to face the Atlanta Braves in their upcoming game. This Aaron Nola Phillies starting pitcher performance update highlights his progress and the context surrounding his recent difficulties.
Early Season Challenges for Aaron Nola
Through his first nine starts this season, Nola has recorded a 1-7 record with a 6.16 ERA, a significant drop from his previous performances. His struggles are evident when comparing the number of losses this season to past years; he already has more defeats than in the entirety of 2015, 2018, and 2020. Specifically, during May, Nola went 1-2 with a 7.98 ERA across three starts, culminating in a particularly tough outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 14, where he allowed nine runs in just 3.2 innings.
Recent Injury and Rehabilitation Efforts
Following that challenging appearance, Nola was placed on the 15-day injured list due to an ankle injury. Since then, he has been making measurable strides toward a return. According to reports from The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes, Nola participated in a lower-intensity throwing session described as a ‘touch and feel,’ which is less strenuous than a full bullpen workout. Additionally, he engaged in playing catch as part of his rehabilitation process ahead of the Phillies’ Tuesday night game against the Braves.
Adjustments within the Phillies Lineup
Alongside Nola’s recovery, the Phillies have made adjustments to their lineup to ease pressure on key players. Notably, catcher J.T. Realmuto has been moved to bat eighth for the first time since May 2022. Manager Rob Thomson explained this change aims to take some of the burden off Realmuto as he works on refining his leg kick and timing. Realmuto has shown consistent power numbers this season with five home runs and 19 RBIs over 44 games, despite a batting average and on-base percentage below his career norms.
Career Context and Recent Playoff Performances
Both Nola and Realmuto have demonstrated strong performances in previous seasons, contributing significantly to the Phillies’ postseason runs. Nola boasts a career record of 105-86 and a 3.78 ERA across 277 starts. In the 2023 playoffs, he was particularly effective, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.35 ERA over four starts. During the same postseason, Realmuto hit .265 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 13 games. Despite their efforts, the team fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series that year and was eliminated by the New York Mets in the following NLDS.
Looking Ahead for Nola and the Phillies
With Aaron Nola making encouraging progress in his recovery, the Phillies will be monitoring his condition closely as they prepare to face the Braves. His ability to return to form could have a meaningful impact on the team’s pitching strength during the season. Meanwhile, adjustments like Realmuto’s new batting position indicate a strategic approach to managing player workloads and maximizing performance. How Nola rebounds in the coming weeks will be a key storyline for the Phillies as they navigate their schedule.