Nola Brilliant: Rotation or Bullpen? Philadelphia Evaluates for Playoffs

Aaron Nola’s season has been a rollercoaster, marked by injuries and unusual inconsistency. However, the right-handed pitcher, a mainstay of the Phillies’ rotation for the last decade, proved his worth at a crucial moment. In a game against the Twins, Nola delivered a performance that could secure his place in the October rotation. Nola dominated the game, maintaining a perfect game until the sixth inning, climbing positions on the Phillies’ strikeout list and demonstrating his potential for the playoffs. In the 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins, Nola (5-10) allowed only two hits and struck out nine batters without conceding walks, pitching for eight innings.

That’s him.
Rob Thomson

Nola closed out his worst year since his debut with the Phillies in 2015 with his best performance of the season. He pitched eight innings for the first time since May 2024, when he achieved a shutout against the New York Mets. In addition, he struck out Edouard Julien, reaching his 1,872nd strikeout, placing him second in franchise history, behind Hall of Famer Steve Carlton. Nola surpassed Robin Roberts, also a Hall of Famer. Carlton, winner of four Cy Young awards with the Phillies, accumulated 3,031 strikeouts with the team.

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

The Phillies’ rotation appears set for the National League Division Series. With Zack Wheeler out of action due to surgery, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Ranger Suarez appear to be the pitchers for the first three playoff games. Manager Rob Thomson would consider using Nola from the bullpen in the playoffs, an unusual role for the pitcher, who has never acted as a reliever in his 285 regular season appearances.

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

Nola has had 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, man. 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 to get there. It starts with the Division Series and we have to play good baseball.
Aaron Nola

The veteran didn’t allow the Twins to get on base until Christian Vázquez hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, making the score 2-1. Nola, 32, got out of a jam in the seventh after allowing a triple. Nola, signed to a seven-year, $172 million contract before the 2024 season, was selected seventh overall by Philadelphia in 2014 and has been one of the most consistent pitchers since his Major League debut in 2015. Despite a season with a 1-7 record and a 6.16 ERA in his first nine starts, Thomson’s confidence in his former ace never wavered.