Aaron Nola’s latest rehab start cleared the final hurdle as the Phillies map a path back to their rotation. In Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Nola fanned 11 over 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, a performance that keeps him on track for a Sunday return with Philadelphia.
The Phillies are expected to roll with a six-man rotation for now as they navigate a grueling stretch. They’re amid a 13-game slate in 13 days and will play 39 games in 41 days from August 8 through September 17, a schedule that makes extra depth particularly valuable.
Nola’s comeback plan is riding on more than just his return. Right-hander Kyle Walker has also pitched well enough to help the rotation, posting a 3.39 ERA this season and a 2.93 ERA over six starts in his most recent stint in the rotation. That level of reliability gives manager Rob Thomson confidence that a six-man arrangement could benefit the entire staff.
I think it could benefit everybody, to tell you the truth, Thomson said earlier this week about a six-man rotation when Nola comes back. We’ve been riding these guys pretty hard all year.
With Nola set to rejoin the Phillies in Sunday’s series finale against the Nationals, the club will look to balance workload while keeping the pitching staff fresh for a potential late-season push. The plan emphasizes using the depth already in the rotation and bullpen, allowing Nola to ramp up without overtaxing a single pitcher.
In addition to Nola’s return, the Phillies will continue to monitor how this six-man approach affects the bullpen, overall inning distribution, and bullpen usage as they head toward the crucial stretch run. If Nola responds well to the rehab process, Philadelphia could maintain this approach through the remainder of the season, preserving arms for October ambitions.
Summary: Aaron Nola’s 11-strikeout rehab outing moves him closer to a return, and Philadelphia is eyeing a six-man rotation to manage a heavy schedule and protect arms, aided by Walker’s steady contributions and the team’s growing depth.
Possible positive take: The move could provide a healthier, more sustainable workload for the staff during a critical period, potentially keeping Philadelphia’s rotation fresher for a postseason push.