Now that the trade deadline has passed and with less than two months remaining in the regular season, teams vying for the playoffs are hoping for the timely return of key injured players as they gear up for the final stretch.
The Philadelphia Phillies are counting on the return of veterans Alex Bohm and Aaron Nola from the injured list as they push for a spot in October from the National League East.
When Will Injured Alec Bohm and Aaron Nola Return For the Phillies?
As reported by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, third baseman Alec Bohm and starting pitcher Aaron Nola are both expected to rejoin the Phillies lineup this month.
Bohm, who fractured a rib after being hit by a pitch on July 12, has started light activities as part of his recovery, according to Gonzalez. “The 29-year-old third baseman has been hitting ground balls and taking batting practice and will now venture out on a rehab assignment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nola hasn’t pitched since mid-May due to a stress reaction in his rib. Gonzalez noted that this was the first time the Phillies starter had gone on the injured list in eight years.
“Now, Nola is finally on his way back. He went 3⅔ innings in his second rehab start on Wednesday and will make one or two more before rejoining the rotation,” he added.
What Will the Return of Bohm And Nola Mean to the Phillies?
Bohm and Nola have been key players in the Phillies’ ascent to contender status, and their return could play a significant role in determining how far the team goes in October. However, getting them back on the field isn’t enough—they’ll need to perform at a high level as well.
Before landing on the IL, the 29-year-old Bohm was posting a .391 slugging percentage, struggling with power as a middle-of-the-order hitter. However, he was still managing a solid .278 batting average and a .324 on-base percentage.
His ability to provide consistent run production remains vital, especially for a lineup that has leaned heavily on Kyle Schwarber for offense. Bohm’s contribution could help balance the attack and take some pressure off Schwarber as the team pushes toward the postseason.
Nola’s struggles were even more glaring. Through his first nine starts, the veteran right-hander posted a dismaying 6.16 ERA, far from the form that earned him a Cy Young nomination last year.
“The Phillies’ rotation has been one of the game’s best this season, and it can handle an ineffective Nola if it absolutely has to. But the offense needs Bohm’s production,” Gonzalez wrote.
Even without the duo, the Phillies have thrived sitting top of the NL East, holding a 2.5-game lead over the New York Mets, who themselves face issues of their own. But if Bohm and Nola can return to something close to peak form, they could become the swing factors down the stretch in the playoffs.
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