Aaron Nola, the Philadelphia Phillies’ veteran starting pitcher, has faced a challenging 2025 season due to injuries and performance struggles, team manager Rob Thomson revealed ahead of the Phillies’ series finale against the San Francisco Giants. The Phillies remain hopeful Nola will recover in time to contribute meaningfully during the critical stretch of the season.
Veteran Pitcher’s Career and Recent Challenges
Now in his eleventh major league season, right-hander Aaron Nola has established himself as a central figure in the Phillies’ pitching rotation. Drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft from Louisiana State University, Nola made his major league debut in 2015. He has twice led the National League in starts—in 2019 and again in 2024—earned an All-Star selection, and finished in the top 10 for the Cy Young Award on three occasions.
However, Nola’s 2025 campaign has been difficult, with a 1–7 record and a 6.16 ERA across nine starts, marking the highest ERA recorded in a single season during his career. Compounding his on-field struggles, Nola was placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-May due to a sprained right ankle. During rehabilitation, a stress fracture was detected in his right rib cage, leading the Phillies to transfer him to the 60-day injured list.
Rob Thomson Outlines Recovery Timeline for Nola
Prior to the Phillies’ game against the Giants, Rob Thomson detailed the pitcher’s progress in returning to form, describing the planned steps for his rehabilitation.
“He’s going to throw a bullpen again today and then on Saturday and then we’ll go from there,”
Thomson said, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The Phillies expect Nola to regain the strong performance he showed last year, when he posted a 14–8 record with a 3.57 ERA and 197 strikeouts, reinforcing his role as a key rotation asset moving forward.
Team Position and the Importance of Nola’s Return
Philadelphia currently holds a 53–39 record, tied with the New York Mets for first place in the National League East. Given the tight divisional race, any contribution from Aaron Nola during the remainder of the season could play a vital role in the Phillies’ push toward postseason contention. The team’s ability to navigate this stretch with health and pitching depth will be crucial as they face strong opponents like the San Francisco Giants.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who did Aaron Nola lose to ALS?
A. The issue is very important to him since his uncle, Alan Andries, passed away from ALS in 2021. Nola was recently honored as a 2025 Philanthropy Award Winner by the Major League Baseball Players Trust for his continuous support. This recognition included a $10,000 grant given to the ALS Association in his name.
Q. Is Aaron Nola religious?
A. Aaron Nola is a Christian athlete who has embraced his faith in Christ for salvation. Among National League pitchers, he achieved the second-highest ground ball percentage at 50.6%, with only his teammate Jake Arrieta ahead of him.
Q. Is Aaron Nola an ace?
A. Aaron Nola has been in the major leagues for ten years now. During this time, he has been the most reliable pitcher, starting consistently in baseball.