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Phillies Predicted to Add Blue Jays Ace After Aaron Nola News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 17, 2025 1:15 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola hasn't thrown the baseball at the level he was hoping for to start this season.

Nola, who owns a 6.16 ERA and recently gave up nine earned runs after a brutal start against the St. Louis Cardinals, was placed on the injured list. Nola is currently dealing with an ankle injury, a very tough situation for the Phillies to be in.

While there is some fortune to the situation, as right-hander Mick Abel will make his big league debut, the Phillies know that ultimately, they need Nola on the mound to be the team they're looking to be.

It's uncertain how long he'll be out for, and it almost feels like a phantom IL stint. Perhaps something is wrong with his ankle, but the Phillies probably wanted to get Nola a few weeks off and hope he resets mentally before heading back on the mound.

Regardless, searching for a potential replacement due to the injury, Drew VonScio of Newsweek predicted that the Phillies "could" add Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt.

“Ahead of Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Nola was officially placed on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle sprain. Mick Abel is being called up to take his place temporarily in the rotation and will start Sunday.

“However, the Phillies can look outside of the organization for a potential trade target especially with Nola struggling this season. Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt is certainly an option for the Phillies,” he wrote.

It remains uncertain what the Blue Jays plan to do at the deadline, but Bassitt is believed to be available.

Throughout the early stages of the campaign, he's been excellent, posting a 3.16 ERA and striking out 55 hitters in 51.1 innings.

If his price isn't too high, there's always value in adding another starter with his stuff at the deadline.

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

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