Philadelphia Phillies’ starting pitcher Aaron Nola is showing promising signs of recovery after a difficult stretch of injuries that sidelined him since mid-May. This weekend, Nola is scheduled to join the team at Yankee Stadium for a live batting practice session before beginning a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, marking a crucial step toward his return during the closely contested National League East race.
Injury Setbacks and Performance Challenges During 2025 Season
Nola’s 2025 season has been disrupted heavily by injuries, first with an ankle issue and then a rib stress fracture that extended his time on the injured list from 15 to 60 days. Now 32 years old, Nola is experiencing the most challenging campaign of his major league career. Prior to this season, he held a 104-79 win-loss record and a respectable 3.70 ERA, along with four finishes in the top-11 for the Cy Young Award, including three finishes within the top seven.
However, this year’s numbers reflect his struggles on the mound: across nine starts and nearly 50 innings pitched, Nola has posted a 1-7 record, a 6.16 ERA, and a 5.02 FIP, combining 52 strikeouts and 16 walks.
How Nola’s Return Might Affect the Phillies’ Rotation
Despite his setbacks, Nola’s impending comeback is viewed positively by the Phillies, who currently lead the NL East with a 57-43 record, narrowly ahead of the New York Mets. The team has managed to perform well largely without him, creating questions about the rotation spot Nola will fill upon his return.
Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, and Christopher Sánchez have all posted strong ERAs below 2.70, and Jesús Luzardo has shown flashes of effectiveness despite some inconsistency. Recently reinstated starter Taijuan Walker has had mixed results but remains a key part of the staff.
It seems most likely Nola will replace either Luzardo or Walker, with Walker being the probable candidate. This rotation shuffle also intersects with the status of top pitching prospects Mick Abel and Andrew Painter, who may be moved in upcoming trades given the excess pitching depth.
Phillies’ Competitive Outlook with Nola’s Progress
Manager Rob Thomson confirmed Nola’s progress, stating,
“Aaron Nola will come with the Phillies to Yankee Stadium to throw a live batting practice session this weekend, then would begin a minor-league rehab assignment. He is progressing well.”
This development could bolster the Phillies’ pitching depth as they continue their pursuit of the NL East title against stiff competition from the Mets.
The Phillies’ ability to reintegrate Nola effectively could be a significant factor in the coming months, providing a potential boost to their starting rotation in what promises to be a tightly contested division race.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who did Aaron Nola lose to Als?
A. The cause is important to him because he lost his uncle, Alan Andries, to ALS in 2021. To honor his efforts, Nola was recently recognized as a 2025 Philanthropy Award Winner by the Major League Baseball Players Trust. They gave a $10,000 grant in his name to the ALS Association.
Q. Is Aaron Nola an ace?
A. At the start of his career, Nola was considered the Phillies’ lead pitcher. His performance was compared to former team stars like Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Roy Oswalt.