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Aaron Nola Speaks on First IL Trip Since 2017
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
Aaron Nola is heading to the injured list for the first time since 2017.
Nola tweaked his ankle at Steinbrenner Field on Thursday doing an agility drill out in the outfield. He tried to pitch through it in Cleveland and didn’t have a great start. He tried to pitch through it a second time on Wednesday night in the second game of the Phillies/Cardinals doubleheader, and turned in the worst start of his Phillies career.
Nola didn’t go to the Phillies about his ankle, the Phillies went to Nola. They knew something was seriously wrong. Nola prides himself on his availability. Even if he can’t give his best performance, he’s going to grind through every single start and attempt to give his team the best chance to win.
He spoke to reporters ahead of Friday night’s game:
It’s been a rough start to Nola’s 2025 season. He took a 6.43 ERA into his 6th start, in Chicago, and looked really sharp in his next two starts vs. the Cubs and Diamondbacks, then tweaked his ankle in Tampa and returned to his early-season form in his most recent two starts.
A lot of changes will happen for the Phillies over the next few days. Zack Wheeler will make his scheduled start Saturday. Mick Abel will make his major league debut on Sunday in the series finale vs. Paul Skenes. They’re sliding Cristopher Sanchez back to give him an extra day of rest. Taijuan Walker will rejoin the rotation on Wednesday, and will stay there until Nola returns from the IL.
The team has already told Abel that it will only be one start for him, and he’ll return to the minors following Sunday’s game. Nola found out about Abel’s major league debut during his availability in the dugout, and said that he’s excited to see him pitch:
That’s awesome, I love debuts. I remember being in those shoes, it’s pretty cool. It’s a special moment that he won’t ever forget. I’m happy for him, he’s worked really hard. Enjoy it, you only get one debut. Enjoy everything about it…the stadium, the fans, who you’re pitching against, the major leagues. It’s a privilege to be up here and pitch at the highest level.
Luke Arcaini writes about the Phillies for Crossing Broad, covers the Phillies for FOX Sports The Gambler, and co-hosts "Phillies Digest" on YouTube. The wave is the worst thing in all of sports. Contact: lukearcaini8@gmail.com