Phillies starter Aaron Nola making rehab start Wednesday

Phillies righty Aaron Nola hasn’t pitched for the Phils since April 20

A major piece of the Phillies starting rotation could be making a return as soon as this weekend. Starting pitcher Aaron Nola will make a rehab start in Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday to test his lower-back injury.

Nola was placed on the disabled list on April 24, retroactive to the 21st, and was only expected to miss one or two starts.

Last week Nola left the team on their road trip to undergo an MRI in Philadelphia after feeling stiffness in his back. Results appear to have come back positive for the 23-year-old, who has alway battled elbow issues.

Nick Pivetta has filled in for Nola in the starting rotation, allowing six runs over his first two major league starts. His return to Lehigh Valley could occur simultaneously with Nola potentially being activated.

Nola made three starts this season before suffering the back injury in late April. Through 16 innings his ERA sits at 4.50 with 20 hits allowed and a K/BB ratio of 5/2.

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In other Phillies news, former closer Jeanmar Gomez was placed on the disabled list for an elbow injury. Ty Kelly, this year’s Michael Martinez, will make the drive back to Philadelphia from Lehigh Valley to fill his roster spot.

Veteran relief pitcher Casey Frien was also acquired from Seattle in exchange for cash considerations. He’ll report to Lehigh Valley with the potential to join the major league bullpen in place of Jake Thompson.