Aaron Nola progressing toward mid-August return as Phillies manage some rotation uncertainty

May 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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For a team with great starting pitching depth, there's a lot of uncertainty around the No. 5 spot in the rotation right now. 

With Mick Abel being sent back down and Andrew Painter not yet ready, the team is turning to Taijuan Walker - again - to start a game on Tuesday. 

Will it be one game? Multiple games? No one knows right now, as they won't need to go five starters deep in the rotation again until July 22.

The Phillies are hoping they can get by until Aaron Nola returns from his stress fracture in his rib.

Nola threw on the field between games of the doubleheader on Wednesday. He threw a "Williamsport" on Friday morning. 

A "Williamsport" is when a pitcher throws from the mound, but the catcher moves closer tot he mound - at a Little League distance, thus the name. 

Nola is scheduled to throw a real bullpen session on Sunday. 

From there, he will fly to Clearwater to keep building back up during the All-Star break. 

"He's going to need probably two more bullpens before throwing a (live) batting practice," Thomson said. "He'll have to do a few B.P.'s before throwing in a game.

Nola is expected to return from Clearwater once the Phillies come back from the All Star break. 

Nola told On Pattison last month that he expects he will need a couple rehab starts as well. Mapping out that calendar, he's looking to be on pace for a mid-August return. 

That means the Phillies would likely need to fill about four post-All-Star break starts before Nola is ready.

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author

Anthony SanFilippo

Anthony SanFilippo is the managing editor of both PhillyDaily.com and DelcoNow.com and also contributes to the company's sports coverage at OnPattison.com. He has been covering professional sports in Philadelphia since 1998. He has worked for WIP Radio, ESPN Radio, NBCSportsPhilly.com, the Delaware County Daily Times and its sister publications in the Philly burbs, the Associated Press, PhiladelphiaFlyers.com and, most recently, Crossing Broad. He also hosts a pair of Philly Sports podcasts (Phightin' Words and Snow the Goalie), makes frequent appearances on local television and radio programs, dabbles in acting, directing, teaching, and serves on a nonprofit board, which is why he has no time to do anything else, but will if you ask. Follow him on X @AntSanPhilly.




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