Phillies

Phillies Manager Girardi Tabs Nola Opening Day Starter

By Russ Joy

Published: Jul 20th, 2020 · 3:36 PM EDT

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In another move that should come as no surprise in Philly sports today, Phillies manager Joe Girardi confirmed that Aaron Nola will be his team’s Opening Day starter:

Opening Day will be Nola Day. #GeauxPhils pic.twitter.com/VluSLzCBuO

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 20, 2020

Entering the team’s second spring training, there were rumblings that Zack Wheeler could’ve challenged Nola for the honor as Nola was delayed a few days getting to camp, but ultimately the Phillies’ ace stepped up and seized the opportunity. His effort against that Nats on Saturday likely solidified his standing as the team’s #1 starter, as he allowed just one hit over five sensational innings.

As for Nola’s recent success against the Phillies’ first opponent the Miami Marlins, let’s check in with our own Phillies reporter extraordinaire “Big Bet Bob” Wankel:

In three 2019 starts, Aaron Nola posted a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 IP with a 0.969 WHIP against Miami.

Marlins batters produced just a .585 OPS.

Seeya Friday night.

— Bob Wankel (@Bob_Wankel) July 20, 2020

To quote Larry David, that’s pretty, pretty, pretty good. Pretty good.

The Phillies take on the Yankees in New York tonight in their final spring training game at 6:05PM in a matchup of Jon Morosi’s picks for the NL East and AL East winners.

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