Aaron Nola Shines: Starter or Reliever in Playoffs with the Phillies?

Aaron Nola’s season has been a rollercoaster, marked by injuries and unusual inconsistency for the pitcher who led the Phillies’ rotation for almost a decade. However, in an unexpected turn, Nola proved his worth in the game against the Twins, which could secure his place in the October rotation.

How Nola Shines on the Mound

In a crucial game, Nola delivered a performance worthy of his status, coming close to a perfect game and demonstrating his potential for the National League playoffs. The result was a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Nola allowed only two hits and struck out nine batters in eight innings without conceding walks.

That’s him.
Rob Thomson

This was Nola’s best performance in a challenging season. He pitched eight innings for the first time since May 2024 and struck out Edouard Julien to achieve his 1,872nd strikeout, placing him second on the franchise’s strikeout list, behind only Steve Carlton. Nola surpassed Robin Roberts on the list. Carlton, a four-time Cy Young winner with the Phillies, accumulated 3,031 strikeouts with the team.

It’s an honor to be on the list with those guys.
Aaron Nola

The Phillies’ rotation seems set for the National League Division Series. With Zack Wheeler out due to surgery, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Ranger Suarez appear to be the starters for the first three playoff games. The manager Rob Thomson would consider using Nola from the bullpen in the playoffs, an unusual role for Nola, who has never pitched in relief in his 285 regular season appearances. His last relief appearance was probably in his first year at LSU.

Certainly, we would give him enough time if that were the case to make sure he’s ready.
Rob Thomson

Nola has made 16 postseason starts in the last three seasons with the Phillies, including a 3-1 record with a 2.35 ERA in 2023.

I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll do whatever it takes to help the guys win. Everyone’s goal here is the same. We want to get back to the World Series and win it. It’s a long road. It starts with the Division Series and we have to play good baseball.
Aaron Nola

Nola didn’t allow runners until Christian Vázquez hit a home run in the sixth inning. Nola, 32 years old, managed to get out of a jam in the seventh after allowing a triple. Signed to a $172 million, seven-year contract before the 2024 season, Nola was drafted by the Phillies in 2014 and has been one of the most consistent pitchers since his debut in the Major Leagues in 2015. Despite a complicated season, Thomson’s confidence in his star pitcher never wavered.