It’s difficult to criticize the Philadelphia Phillies’ current rotation. In addition to having the fifth-best ERA among baseball starters (3.47), the Phillies lead the league in strikeouts (the Kansas City Royals, the next-closest club, are as close to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seventh place as they are to the Phillies in first).
However, experienced righty Aaron Nola is a conspicuously weak link that is hidden by those impressive total figures. On Wednesday night, Nola had 3.2 awful innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, giving up nine runs on 12 hits and only getting two strikeouts. “I don’t really have another answer for tonight, besides: ‘Terrible,'” Nola said following the game. His ERA is currently 6.16 for the season, and neither he nor the Phillies appear to have much of an explanation for what has gone wrong thus far.
Nola’s difficulties wouldn’t be very alarming in a vacuum. Once more, Philly’s rotation has been outstanding overall this season, and their top three players—Zack Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo, and Cristopher Sanchez—would compete with almost anyone in the league. Now that Ranger Suarez is returned from the injured list, Dave Dombrowski will have two additional options later this season thanks to elite prospects Mick Abel and Andrew Painter.
However, if Philly is obstinate enough to continue sending Nola out there despite all the evidence, then Philly’s depth may not matter. The 32-year-old’s history of recovering from difficult times has given him some wiggle room. However, if he is unable to change it, it will be necessary to have some difficult talks, which Thomson doesn’t appear to be eager to do.
Rob Thomson’s faith in Aaron Nola could come back to haunt Phillies
The length of time Nola was permitted to stay in the game on Wednesday was maybe even more worrisome than his last statement. The team’s bullpen was still pretty fresh after Luzardo’s seven solid innings in the midday, even though it was the second game of a doubleheader. Philly’s offense gave them an early 5-1 lead. Nevertheless, Thomson rode alongside his veteran, allowing him to get his brains beaten in before ultimately cutting the cord once the Cardinals had taken the lead.
Thomson explained to The Athletic, “With him, you always think that he’s going to find it.” “And we are in the game right now.”
It’s true, but Nola’s performance thus far this season didn’t indicate that a change was on the horizon, and winning the game isn’t an excuse to keep your starter in the middle of the pack. Furthermore, Thomson is denying any kind of worry, at least in public.
“No,” said Thomson. “Because I believe he will discover it.” You must have faith that he will locate it. There’s no doubt that he will put forth effort. Additionally, he will find it out.
Once more, this is reasonable enough in mid-May; Nola has earned the chance to work it out since the Phillies need him. However, his devotion to his men and his occasionally sluggishness in departing from his preconceptions have been among Thomson’s worst criticisms. What if Nola continues to struggle along the last stretch? Will Thomson treat Nola with a very swift hook or bump him out of the rotation, depending on the situation? Or, out of respect for a veteran, would he overlook his many other good options? He may lose his job if he makes the incorrect decision and the Phillies lose in October.
