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Phillies' Rob Thomson Announces Exciting Aaron Nola News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 4:35 PM ET

Right-hander Aaron Nola is in his 11th MLB season as a frontline starter for the Philadelphia Phillies. The 32-year-old veteran was selected seventh overall in the 2014 MLB Draft and made his big-league debut a year later, in the 2015 regular season.

Since then, Nola has cemented himself as one of the best pitchers in franchise history. Over 277 career starts in Philadelphia, he has compiled a 105–86 record, a 3.78 ERA and 1,831 strikeouts.

He has proven to be one of the most reliable arms, leading MLB pitchers in games started twice, in 2019 and 2024.

In 2025, Nola’s season has been derailed by injury. He first suffered a sprained right ankle in mid-May and was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 16, retroactive to May 15. As he rehabbed the ankle, doctors discovered a stress fracture in his right ribcage, which prompted a transfer to the 60-day IL.

On Saturday, Nola took a significant step toward his return by throwing a live bullpen session. He fired 34 pitches across two innings, impressing manager Rob Thomson with “very good” command and a sharp curveball. The next step will be another bullpen outing scheduled for Monday or Tuesday.

Aaron Nola’s live BP session this morning was “very good,” Rob Thomson said. He threw 34 pitches over two innings.
“Command was really good. Curveball was really good.”

Next step is a bullpen on Monday or Tuesday.
— Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) July 19, 2025

This year has been a down one for Nola. In nine starts, he went 1–7 with a 6.16 ERA, by far the worst mark of his career.

With the Phillies locked in a tight NL East race against the New York Mets, Nola’s health and eventual return to form will be critical as the team pushes toward the postseason.

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

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