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The Philadelphia Phillies reinforced a deep and effective rotation with a blockbuster acquisition this winter and it has paid dividends.
Entering the season with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez and Taijuan Walker on the roster, plus top prospect Andrew Painter waiting in the wings, the Phillies swung a trade to bring in Miami Marlins starter Jesus Luzardo, who has been stellar. And that depth has been critical to the team’s success so far, particularly after it lost Nola to an ankle injury.
Now, Nola reportedly has experienced a surprising setback with that injury, making the Phillies’ depth even more crucial.
“Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola did not throw a planned bullpen session on Saturday because of continued soreness in his sprained right ankle,” per ESPN.
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Nola hasn’t missed a start due to injury since 2017, but he has struggled mightily on the mound this season. The ankle injury might have been contributing and the veteran doesn’t want to come back until he is fully healed.
Breaking his silence after this latest setback, Nola outlined what he is looking for before he’d be willing to come back.
“Since I’m on the IL, I want to get it right, and I want it to feel good and strong again,” he explained, according to Lochlan March of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I want to be able to run, and sprint, without it even being an issue.”
After Nola was unable to throw his recent bullpen, it seems the Phillies could be without him for longer than they thought. It’s a good thing, then, that they have such a deep starting staff.
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