What's Happening?
Aaron Nola, a key pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, is nearing his return to the major league team after a successful rehabilitation start. On Tuesday night, Nola struck out 11 batters over 5 1/3 innings while allowing two runs for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. This performance likely marks the final step in his rehab process. The Phillies are considering activating Nola for their upcoming series against the Washington Nationals, with a potential start on Sunday. However, they may opt to give him an extra day of rest, which would see him return on Monday against the Seattle Mariners. The Phillies' manager, Rob Thomson, indicated that the team is still deliberating on the exact timing of Nola's return. The team is currently in a stretch of 13 games in 13 days, and they are contemplating a six-man rotation to manage the workload on their pitchers.
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Why It's Important?
Nola's return is significant for the Phillies as they navigate a demanding schedule. His presence in the rotation could provide much-needed stability and depth, especially given the recent struggles of some pitchers like Ranger Suárez. The potential shift to a six-man rotation could help preserve the health and effectiveness of the pitching staff, which has been heavily utilized throughout the season. This strategy could be beneficial for the team as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league. The decision to incorporate Nola back into the rotation also highlights the importance of managing player health and performance during a grueling season.
What's Next?
The Phillies will continue to assess Nola's readiness and decide whether he will start on Sunday or Monday. The decision will impact the rotation for the upcoming series, with potential adjustments to accommodate Nola's return. The team will also monitor the performance of other pitchers, such as Taijuan Walker, who has been performing well recently. The implementation of a six-man rotation, if decided, will be closely watched to see how it affects the team's performance and player health over the coming weeks.
