Aaron Nola, the Philadelphia Phillies’ starting pitcher, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right ankle sprain sustained during agility drills in the outfield at Steinbrenner Field amid the Rays series in Tampa. This marks Nola’s first trip to the injured list since 2017. The injury has the team cautious about Nola overcompensating, which could alter his pitching mechanics and risk further damage. With a struggling performance reflected in a 6.16 ERA over nine starts, the injury may force Nola to reset his approach on the mound.
Nola is expected to attempt a bullpen session on May 29, although he will not be activated immediately afterward despite being eligible on May 30. The Phillies anticipate that Nola will require a minor-league rehabilitation assignment to work back to full health and form.
“Aaron Nola (ankle) throws from mound, will ‘probably’ need minor-league rehab assignment”
Bryce Harper’s Elbow Injury Sidelines Him for Doubleheader
Bryce Harper was hit by a 95 mph fastball from Spencer Strider during the first inning of the May 27 matchup against the Atlanta Braves, resulting in an elbow contusion. Although Harper experienced significant pain, medical evaluations confirmed that there was no fracture. Due to swelling and lingering discomfort, Harper was left out of the lineup for the first game of the May 29 doubleheader. He received treatment on both Wednesday and Thursday mornings but has not swung a bat since the incident.
Manager Rob Thomson expressed cautious optimism about Harper’s availability for the second game, stressing that Harper will need to regain confidence and comfort with swinging before returning, whether as a starter or pinch hitter. Regarding Harper’s choice to forego an elbow guard, Thomson noted the discomfort and restriction it causes for the player during at-bats.
Injuries Weigh on Phillies Amid Team Challenges
The combination of injuries to prominent players like Nola and Harper has contributed to concerns inside the Phillies organization, even though the team‘s recent record does not show frequent losses. Some fans and commentators reflect tension with mixed outlooks, highlighting a feeling of unease as the team navigates through these health issues.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are watching closely the progress of their prospects, including a promising center fielder in AAA who may be poised to join the major leagues soon, offering hope of depth amid current player absences.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Return to Play
The road back to full strength for Aaron Nola and Bryce Harper will require careful management to prevent further setbacks. Nola’s upcoming bullpen session and likely minor league rehab will aim to restore his pitching effectiveness without risking additional injury. Harper’s return will depend on his ability to swing comfortably and manage pain in his elbow, with the coaching staff prepared to ease him back into competition gradually.
The impact of these injuries is significant for the Phillies as they pursue their season goals, making player health and cautious rehabilitation their top priorities in the coming weeks.