Phillies 2016 Rotation: An Early Prediction

Sep 14, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA;

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Nola (27) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.

(Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

AARON NOLA – LOCK

After dominating at both the AA and AAA levels to begin the 2015 season, Aaron Nola made his big league debut last July. the righty was impressive in 13 starts, going 6-2 and posting a 3.59 ERA in 77.2 innings with 68 strikeouts.

In his first major league outing against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 21, Nola tossed a stellar six frames, allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk while fanning six in a 1-0 loss. He followed up that performance with his first career win in a game against the Chicago Cubs, throwing 7.2 innings of four-run ball in an 11-5 victory.

The LSU product allowed three earned runs or less in nine of his 13 starts, and was masterful in his last two starts of the season against the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals before being shut down by the club a week early. In those final two starts, Nola went a combined 13 innings, allowing one run and striking out nine while walking three.

While Nola doesn’t possess a power arm, the 22-year old figures to be the ace of the Phillies staff for now, barring an unexpected trade or signing of a top arm.

Next: Phillies Rotation: a Lock