GDT 9/26/25 Minnesota Twins (Ryan) @ Philadelphia Phillies (Nola, A)

[VoteForKalas]

Great start by Nola.

He has been really good for so long for the Phils, under-rated IMO.

He would be my 3rd starter in the playoffs in between Sanchez and Suarez with Luzardo in the pen or in between Sanchez and Luzardo with Suarez in the pen.

The other option for a 7 game series later in the playoffs is to use the 3 LH starters and then have a Nola/Beuhler tandem for the 4th start..

[Austinfan]

That's the best Nola has looked in maybe 2 years.
Which makes you wonder if he had arm trouble they were hiding, because he has his velocity back, his command was better, and both his 2 seamer and knuckle curve had better movement.

It does suggest that going forward they ration his innings, limit him to 30 starts and 180 IP.
Better an effective Nola for fewer innings than a struggling Nola.

[Lucky_Beagle]

I hope Nola gets to start against the Twins in the post season!

[zambonir]

Pitching starts with the legs and the core so I'd say the two injuries we already know he had is a good enough explanation (and affected his mechanics). He also hasn't been able to pitch enough this year to fully make adjustments. I'd still be nervous that the struggles with men on base and HRs resurface in the playoffs (I mean, you can do one or the other). Obviously pitching that well, so you don't ever have men on base, solves that!

[Callison]

IMHO, injury doesn't explain most of Nola's bad outings because he's pitched well before and after melt downs.

Where have you been, Aaron Nola? Awesome pitching.

[Austinfan]

Nola wasn't hitting 93-94 even the games he pitched well.
And his 2 seamer lacked his traditional "bite."

[andyb]

His velocity was a tiny bit better but really not dramatically different than most of his starts since he came back in August. It was his location that was better and his change was at least average (as opposed to mediocre).

Guessing the Phillies are thinking a game 2 or 3 tandem with Nola now assuming they don't need a 4th starter. I also would not put it past them deploying Ranger in a crucial situation in any game which might insert Nola into the rotation as a consequence.