Aaron Nola’s return from the injured list didn’t go deep, but the Phillies still snapped a nine-game skid-over Washington in a wild 11-9 win over the Nationals as Alec Bohm found his timing in his first game back.
Nola, coming off a sprained right ankle and fractured rib, lasted only 2 1/3 innings, charged with six runs on seven hits and four strikeouts while throwing 53 pitches. The right-hander retired seven straight after the first, but Philadelphia’s bullpen couldn’t fully quell the damage when the Nationals chased him in the third inning. CJ Abrams’ leadoff single kicked off a three-run frame that included Daylen Lilé’s two-run single and Dylan Crews’ two-run double, followed by Jose Tena’s tying double to end Nola’s day. After the hiccup, manager Rob Thomson noted Nola was ahead in counts early, but the big inning opened the door for Washington.
The Phillies also promoted Bohm from the injured list for the finale with Washington, and the third baseman didn’t miss a beat. Returning from a fractured rib, Bohm drilled a three-run homer in the second inning and went 2-for-4 overall, signaling that his timing and health are back on track. “Especially not being here for a while, it feels really good to contribute and help the team win a game,” Bohm said. “I’m just happy to be back and happy to be healthy.”
Nola’s tough afternoon came as Philadelphia dealt with another roster shakeup. He took Zack Wheeler’s roster spot after Wheeler was placed on the injured list with a blood clot in his right arm. The Phillies also optioned infielder Otto Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and released outfielder Cal Stevenson to make room on the 40-man roster.
Key numbers from the day: Bohm went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in the second, and Nola’s return saw him allow seven hits over 53 pitches. The win improved Philadelphia’s standing in a high-scoring series finale that featured a late surge from both sides before the final out.
What this means going forward: Nola’s health and ability to rebuild stamina will be critical as the rotation navigates a stressed schedule with Wheeler out. Bohm’s return gives the lineup a much-needed spark, and his timing at the plate should help the Phillies’ offense stay productive as they push to stabilize the standings in a crowded division race.
Summary: The Phillies leaned on Bohm’s timely return and a rough-but-resilient showing from Nola to topple the Nationals, turning a rocky start into a win while juggling injuries and roster moves. A positive takeaway is Bohm’s immediate impact and the reassurance that his health is back, even as Nola works to regain his form after a longer layoff.
Extra context and value: Look for Nola to build on this appearance with adjustments to his control and pitch execution. If Wheeler returns to the rotation soon, Philadelphia may opt for a staggered approach to preserve arms and maximize run support behind a bullpen that will be tested in tight games. Bohm’s health and swing decisions will be watched closely in the coming series, as he provides a clear lift to a lineup that needs consistent run production.