Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola has been sidelined with a proper ankle sprain since Might 15. Nonetheless, the second-place Phillies could not have to attend for much longer for his return.
Nola is about to start a rehab project on Thursday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in opposition to the Worcester Purple Sox, per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber.
The 32-year-old has largely prevented the injured checklist all through his 11-year MLB profession, all with Philadelphia since being chosen by the workforce seventh general within the 2014 draft.
Earlier than touchdown on the IL, Nola had a 6.16 ERA in 49.2 innings with 52 strikeouts and 16 walks. He is allowed 11 residence runs in 9 begins this season after main the league with 30 homers allowed in 2024.
Though Nola has struggled in latest seasons, he is been one of the vital sturdy starters within the majors. He is completed inside the prime 15 for the Nationwide League Cy Younger Award voting 4 instances all through his profession, and was named an All-Star in 2018.
There isn’t any doubt that the Phillies’ already sturdy beginning rotation is even higher with him in it when he is wholesome. Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez have led the way in which this season, however Ranger Suarez is having one other strong marketing campaign as effectively. Jesus Luzardo began the yr scorching, however has tapered off since June. In the meantime, Taijuan Walker has been shaky once more, however not practically as dangerous as he was in 2024. That mentioned, he isn’t a full-time choice transferring ahead.
Rookie Mick Abel made his debut and was up with the workforce for some time, too, however was finally despatched right down to Triple-A after a string of poor outings. There’s a likelihood he might be moved on the upcoming commerce deadline on July 31, as prime prospect Andrew Painter waits within the wings and can hopefully debut someday quickly.
When Nola is reinstated, Philadelphia hopes he can toss some “classic” outings down the stretch and be able to contribute as soon as the postseason arrives. Till then, the Phillies will see how he fares on a minor-league rehab project.
