Phillies starter Aaron Nola feels ready to pitch after a back injury
Phillies fans should rejoice as the team gets ready to face the Texas Rangers Tuesday evening with the news of Aaron Nola’s return.
Manager Pete Mackanin confirmed prior to the showdown in Texas that Nola will start on Sunday against the Pirates.
In two rehab starts for the IronPigs Nola was nearly perfect, including a win Monday night where he allowed two hits over 6.1 innings.
Mackanin said Nola is good to go. Will join team in Tex and is slotted to pitch Sunday in Pitt
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) May 16, 2017
Out of the rotation for nearly a month, Nola has been nursing a lower-back strain after making three starts. Originally expected to miss only one start, Nola suffered a setback in early May and required more rest before returning.
Nick Pivetta is expected to make his scheduled start against Texas on Thursday, and return to Lehigh Valley to make room for Nola.
Nola’s battled back and elbow issues early in his career since being drafted seventh overall out of LSU. The righty rehabbed an elbow injury over the offseason, opting to pass on Tommy John surgery.
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In 36 starts for Philadelphia Nola is 14-11 with a 4.31 ERA, and 204 strikeouts over 204.2 innings of work.
Pittsburgh has been tough on Nola early in his career, which included a six-run shelling in four innings last season. Nola’s leash could be short on Sunday as the team tries to sustain his body through an arduous season.