Phillies Facing Aaron Nola Decision After Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 15, 2026 5:11 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have not yet punched their ticket to the MLB playoffs. However, entering Tuesday’s game against the Washington Nationals, they still own sole possession of the second National League wild card spot.

As the Phillies prepare for another postseason run, they will be doing so under interim manager Don Mattingly. Unfortunately for Mattingly, he may not have all his weapons available heading into a potential wild card round.

The Phillies scratched left-hander Jesus Luzardo from his scheduled start this past weekend against the Atlanta Braves with a left shoulder injury.

Ahead of Tuesday’s first pitch against the Washington Nationals, Mattingly spoke with reporters and revealed that Luzardo had not recovered as the team had hoped and is being placed on the 15-day injured list.

Grant Holman was recalled to take his spot on the active roster, per Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation.

Jesús Luzardo is going to the IL. Phillies recalling Grant Holman.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) September 15, 2026

Losing Luzardo for potentially the wild card round is a massive blow. He has been one of the best pitchers in MLB during the second half and threw his first career complete game shutout against the Braves just days ago.

Luzardo has not officially been ruled out for the playoffs, but he is not eligible to return until the final day of the regular season and there is no guarantee he is fully recovered by then.

With Luzardo unavailable, the Phillies have to turn to another arm to start the third game of a series behind Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez. That arm could very well be right-hander Aaron Nola.

Nola had a rough first half to the season but has returned to form since the All-Star break. The 33-year-old veteran owns a 3.08 ERA over his past 11 starts with 63 strikeouts across 64 1/3 innings of work.

He also brings extensive postseason experience, unlike the other primary option for Philadelphia in rookie right-hander Andrew Painter.

If Luzardo cannot go, Nola stepping into that third starter role at least gives the Phillies a reliable veteran option with a proven track record of tossing quality starts when October baseball arrives.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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