After it was announced that Philadelphia Phillies’ ace Zack Wheeler was out for the season, Aaron Nola seemed like the logical choice to fill the pitching void in October.
But the 32-year-old right-hander has struggled since his return from the 60-day injured list on Aug. 17. He holds an 8.38 ERA over 19.1 innings pitched since then, including another horrendous start on Wednesday night in Milwaukee.
Nola’s spot in the playoff rotation is now in jeopardy, meaning the Phillies might be forced to start three lefties in a postseason series.
The Phillies' rotation problem
In his most recent start, Nola allowed five runs in the first inning to the Brewers en route to a 6-3 loss. He’s struggled early in games but shows promise of his old self once he settles down.
Manager Rob Thomson spoke on Nola last night, per Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic.
“Well, I think he was still getting his feet underneath him the first couple (starts),” he said. “And then the last couple were actually pretty good, aside from the first inning. Kind of the same thing tonight. So, we’ve got to figure out the first inning.”
As Varnes notes, Nola has allowed 14 runs and walked seven batters in his first 13 innings this season. But he has other problems too, like his dips in velocity.
Thomson has “confidence” that Nola will find himself again, but time is running out. Lefties Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo may have to carry the load in October, though the Phillies would much rather have a righty in the rotation.
Philadelphia has a tough decision to make.