Aaron Nola’s Timely IL Stint May Be a Blessing in Disguise for Phillies…

Aaron Nola’s Injury Sidelines Him — and Spares the Phillies from a Risky Scenario

What initially looked like more bad news for the Philadelphia Phillies may actually be a blessing in disguise. Aaron Nola, the veteran right-hander whose 2025 season has been marred by inconsistency and struggles on the mound, was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle sprain. While no team ever welcomes an injury to a key starting pitcher, this particular timing might have spared the Phillies from an even bigger setback.

Nola’s most recent outing was a tough one, capped by an early exit that left fans frustrated and management searching for answers. In fact, his performance had deteriorated to such a point that Taijuan Walker’s appearance from the bullpen felt like a relief — a sentence few would have predicted just a year ago.

But here’s why the timing of Nola’s IL placement matters: his next scheduled start was set to take place at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies. While the Rockies are struggling as a team, pitching at Coors is always a dangerous proposition, particularly for a pitcher trying to regain his form. The mile-high altitude, combined with the park’s notorious reputation for inflating offensive numbers, could have turned another shaky Nola outing into a full-blown disaster.

Instead, the injury gives Nola a chance to rest, reset, and rehab without being thrown into one of the toughest pitching environments in baseball. For the Phillies, it’s a temporary reprieve from a precarious situation — one that allows them to regroup without risking another damaging start from their embattled ace.

In the meantime, the team can rely on a mix of veterans and emerging arms to hold down the rotation. If Walker can continue to provide solid innings, and the bullpen holds firm, the Phillies may navigate this period without missing a beat.

Ultimately, while the injury is unfortunate, it may also serve as an opportunity — both for Nola to recalibrate, and for the Phillies to avoid a scenario that could have made his slump even worse. Sometimes, a step back comes at just the right time.