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Phillies Bracing for Aaron Nola Move After Update on Tuesday

Aug 12, 2025 9:32 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Phillies have taken control of the NL East, now six games ahead of the second-place New York Mets after winning four consecutive games.

The Phillies’ pitching staff has led the team to a 69–49 record, and they’ve done it without their usual reliable frontline starter, Aaron Nola.

The 32-year-old veteran has appeared in just nine games this year after leading all of MLB in starts in 2024 with 33.

In those nine starts, Nola experienced a drop-off in performance, pitching to a 1–7 record (a year after finishing 14–8) and a 6.16 ERA—the worst mark of his 11-year career.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27)

Aaron Nola Nears Activation

Nola has been sidelined since mid-May due to a right ankle sprain and was later diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right rib cage. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 16 because of the ankle sprain, then transferred to the 60-day IL due to the rib issue.

On Tuesday, Nola made what appeared to be his final rehab start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, striking out 11 batters over 5 2/3 innings while allowing two runs. Assuming he recovers well, he’s expected to return to the big leagues on Sunday.

“Aaron Nola had 11 K’s over 5 2/3 innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley tonight. He allowed 2 runs (1 scored after he left the game with a man on base). Assuming Nola feels fine tomorrow, as expected, his next start will come with the Phillies — likely on Sunday,” wrote MLB’s Paul Casella.

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Phillies Counting on Nola to Regain Cy Young Form After Rough Start

The Phillies are hoping Nola can revert to his 2024 form, when he finished 11th in NL Cy Young Award voting and posted a 3.57 ERA with 197 strikeouts. He’s spent his entire career as a staple in Philadelphia’s rotation, with many memorable postseason moments.

Nola’s best season came in 2018, when he earned his first All-Star selection and finished third in Cy Young voting with a career-best 2.37 ERA.