Aaron Nola, a longtime staple of the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation, is headed to the injured list for the first time in nearly eight years. The move marks a rare disruption in the career of one of Philadelphia’s most durable and dependable starters.
The 31-year-old right-hander was placed on the 15-day IL with a right ankle sprain, retroactive to May 15, after back-to-back rough outings against the Guardians and Cardinals. He described the injury as “non-baseball related,” suffered during a workout.
Despite a slow start to the MLB season—Nola owns a 6.16 ERA and 1-7 record—his absence leaves a major void in a Phillies rotation that had just begun to regain form. It’s only the second IL stint of his 11-year career.
Phillies’ replacement for Nola
The start is expected to be a one-off, as Taijuan Walker will step back into the rotation next week in Colorado. Meanwhile, right-hander Daniel Robert was recalled from Triple-A to fill Nola’s roster spot.
The Phillies will turn to top pitching prospect Mick Abel, who is scheduled to make his MLB debut Sunday against the Pirates. Abel has posted a 2.53 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
SURVEY Will Nola be capable of returning better than before?
Will Nola be capable of returning better than before?
already voted 2 fans
Nola Aims for Swift and Strong Return
It’s worth noting that Nola currently holds a challenging record, placing him in a position where he needs to bounce back and regain his status as a key pitcher for the Phillies. He emphasized that he has consistently maintained his health, making this current injury an unexpected deviation from his normal routine.
“It’s definitely not that comfortable,” he said. “It got a little better from the first start in Cleveland [to St. Louis]. I thought it’d be pretty much better by now, but it’s still lingering. So hopefully it’ll get out pretty quick.”