Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola has largely struggled this season. So far, he has made 13 starts, compiling a 3-8 record with a 6.78 ERA over the course of 69 innings of work.
He missed three months of the season while initially dealing with a right ankle sprain in May. However, that transitioned into a right rib stress fracture in June, which then landed him on the 60-day IL.
On top of his injuries, his velocity is down this season, and his command is not what it has been in seasons past. Nola's struggles have been getting to the fanbase, but it is also frustrating some former Phillies players.
"How many more years til the Phillies figure out Nola sucks?" Lenny Dykstra said on X.
Lenny Dykstra, a three-time All-Star and World Series winner, is always known for speaking his mind on social media platforms. He did not hold back here, taking a direct shot at Nola and the organization, despite their first-place status in the National League.
The Phillies have no plans to change Aaron Nola's usage
It would be almost impossible for the Phillies to fall out of the postseason race. Right now, it is all about keeping the lead in the division and putting themselves in the best position possible for October baseball.
With Aaron Nola's struggles, some have suggested a smaller role for him moving forward, like having an opener when he starts. The thought here is that it would help him avoid the big innings, and he would not face the opposing team's top guys as much.
However, that is not expected to be the case. According to manager Rob Thomson, he is not planning on using an opener for Nola, via The Athletic's Charlotte Varnes.
"I always have confidence in him because he's always prepared and he competes, and the bright lights don't affect him," said Thomson.