Phillies Keeping Eye on Aaron Nola as Spring Training Games Begin
By John Town
One of the biggest Phillies storylines this spring is the health of starting pitcher Aaron Nola and how it will impact him this spring and beyond.
After missing the last two months of the 2016 season due to a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola said he was “100 percent” and ready for spring training.
Manager Pete Mackanin told Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly that Nola ” appears to be and says he is 100 percent.” When Nola threw his first bullpen session of the spring last week, Mackanin said the coaches were “cautiously optimistic” about Nola.
More from Phillies News
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
- Could Rich Hill become ‘Jamie Moyer 2.0’ in Phillies rotation?
- Does Bailey Falter have a future in Phillies’ rotation?
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
Even though Nola has looked good through the first week and a half of spring training, Mackanin said he will continue to monitor the 23-year old:
"“We will have to keep a close eye on him. All the pitchers, actually. Especially him. I know how good he can be. I’m looking forward to seeing him pitch. Hopefully, every outing he has, he won’t show any signs of it. That’s the only thing I’m concerned about, that thing coming back.”"
Nola isn’t expected to make an appearance until a few games into the spring training schedule. Mark Letier, Jr. started Thursday against the University of Tampa while Alec Asher and Adam Morgan will start the first two games against the Yankees. Pitching coach Bob McClure said Jeremy Hellickson will likely be the first major-league pitcher to make a start in spring training.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- 11 Free-agent deals the Philadelphia Phillies wish fell through
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
- Could Rich Hill become ‘Jamie Moyer 2.0’ in Phillies rotation?
- Does Bailey Falter have a future in Phillies’ rotation?
- Prospect Andrew Baker could help Phillies bullpen in 2023
Mackanin said he is “real anxious to see Nola pitch.” He has liked what Nola has done so far in spring training, saying, “Right now, I’m real pleased at the way he’s throwing and the way he looks. He feels very confident.”
The Phils hope Nola can return to the pitcher who carried a 2.65 ERA and 5.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio through his first 12 starts in 2016. He threw six or more innings in every start but one during that stretch. Nola kept opposing hitters off the bases as he allowed a .209 batting average and .270 batting average on balls in play.
Next: Phils 2017 Season Preview: Cesar Hernandez
Nola bottomed out in his last eight starts of the year, giving up a 2.06 WHIP and 9.82 ERA. Thankfully, his 3.87 fielding-independent pitching indicates that those struggles may not have been entirely his fault.