Aaron Nola, the Reason Ruben said Fans Don't Understand the Game, to Make First Start Tuesday

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Less than two months ago, Ruben Amaro ripped into fans who wanted him to call up Aaron Nola, saying they don’t “understand the game.” He took some heat for the way he handled the situation, but Nola was still young and relatively inexperienced at the pro level, so his sentiment made sense. Now, either Ruben Amaro changed his mind, he isn’t in control anymore, or a month and a half is just enough experience for Rube, because Aaron Nola is making his first major league start on Tuesday.

Nola’s call up makes him the first Phillie to make his MLB debut the season after he was drafted since Pat Combs in 1989. He’ll pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays, wearing Placido Polanco’s number.

When bringing up young players, there’s always the concern that doing so too early can take them out of their rhythm and shatter their confidence. This year though? It’s already gone, so you might as well see what Nola’s got. That is exactly the opinion Ruben was so mad about, but it’s the only way to even make this team watchable.