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Phillies Make 'Frustrating' Announcement on Aaron Nola

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 16, 2025 5:42 PM ET

It's no secret around the Phillies clubhouse that Aaron Nola has had to work hard to try to get back to form.

With an uncharacteristically high 4.61 ERA entering his May 9 start in Cleveland against the Guardians, the hope was Nola had found his footing after six shutout innings against the NL-contender Diamondbacks, even in the face of neck tightness near first pitch.

Any possible progress for Nola was curbed by an ankle sprain, which he reportedly suffered prior to his May 9 start.

After two very difficult starts, the Phillies made an announcement on Nola Friday that he called 'frustrating.'

Nola was placed on the 15-day injured list with that ankle sprain, a move that followed his start on Wednesday that saw him give up nine earned runs on 12 hits over just 3 2/3 innings against the surging Cardinals.

Nola allowed three home runs and struck out just two batters, needing 83 pitches to record 11 outs.

The start before that, in Cleveland immediately after suffering the ankle sprain, Nola allowed four runs over five innings, picking up his sixth loss of 2025.

Nola will now hit the injured list for the first time since 2017, and this stint is a departure from his reputation as a durable Phillies starter.

Nola called it 'frustrating' and emphasized the amount of time since he'd been on the injured list.

MLB.com's Todd Zelecki reported that top prospect Mick Abel will get his first taste of the big leagues, but only as a spot starter Sunday against Paul Skenes and the Pirates.

Taijuan Walker will join the rotation next week, and hold Nola's spot until he returns.

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

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