The Philadelphia Phillies were already facing a significant challenge after losing their star pitcher Zack Wheeler for the season due to a blood clot—but things have only gotten worse.
In response, the team brought Aaron Nola back from the injured list the day after Wheeler’s setback, hoping he’d provide a much-needed boost. Instead, he’s struggled mightily.
Nola surrendered five runs before recording an out in Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers and has failed to deliver a quality start in three of his four appearances since returning.
Once seen as a top-tier pitcher and former Cy Young contender, Nola now appears to be a shadow of his former self—leading fans and analysts alike to question whether his time at the top is coming to an end.
Phillies Face Calls to Shut Down Nola
This Philadelphia radio show host makes it clear that trotting Nola back out on the field this year would not be a good idea.
The former All-Star’s earned run average has ballooned to nearly seven to go along with 1.5 walks and hits per inning pitched, both career worsts by far.
Nola has given up at least four runs in five of his last six starts dating back to May and he has shown no signs of improvement, even after three months on the injured list.
Due to their thin starting rotation, the Phillies might be forced to rely on the right-hander in the playoffs—but they can’t realistically expect better results than what he’s shown during the regular season.
Over the past three years, he’s been consistently hit hard and has developed a reputation as one of the league’s most vulnerable starters when it comes to giving up home runs.
Once viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise, he’s now little more than an innings-eater—someone the team manages to win with, but rarely because of.
How the Phillies Proceed
There was a time when Aaron Nola was seen as one of the league’s most promising young pitchers, a future perennial Cy Young contender. But those days feel long gone.
Many Phillies fans are calling for him to be shut down for the rest of the season—but whether the team has the depth to make that happen remains uncertain.
If they do opt to go that route, they could lean on reliable young left-handers Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez, both of whom have stepped up and proven themselves this year.
While sidelining Nola or leaving him off the postseason roster would be a difficult decision, it might ultimately be the smartest move for the team at this point in the season.
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