Nola’s Unexpected Setback: What’s Really Behind the Delay in His Ankle Recovery?
It’s a rough patch for Aaron Nola and the Phillies right now. The right-hander’s right ankle sprain isn’t bouncing back like the team had hoped, and it’s looking less and less likely that we’ll see him in a bullpen session this weekend at Sutter Health Park. The Phillies were aiming to have him back on the mound ahead of one of their matchups with the Athletics, but as it stands, Nola’s still dealing with soreness—so much so that even slipping on a shoe is causing him tenderness. Manager Rob Thomson’s been pretty clear about it: we’re taking this one day at a time, and there’s no point in rushing a recovery that just isn’t ready.
With the conditions at the minor-league stadium the A’s will call home for the next few seasons deemed far from ideal by several pitchers, it adds another layer of caution to the equation. Veterans like Zack Wheeler weren’t shy about their disdain, labeling the mound “terrible” after his strong outing, while fellow hurler Jordan Romano also appeared off-kilter. Combine all that with Nola’s stats — a challenging 1-7 mark and a 6.16 ERA heading into the injury — and it’s clear the Phillies want to avoid setbacks at all costs. This current stint on the injured list is his first since over seven years, so they’re understandably cautious.
And just when you think that’s all, Edmundo Sosa adds to the team’s injury woes with a sore left wrist that knocked him out late in Friday’s win. He was replaced by Bryson Stott, who’s batting significantly less against lefties, but given Sosa’s .400 average versus southpaws this season, it’s no small loss. Thomson seems hopeful that a little rest will get Sosa back up to speed without shaking up the lineup too much.
For a Phillies squad that’s juggling injuries and less-than-ideal playing surfaces, patience is the name of the game right now — and that doesn’t sit well with anyone itching to see their stars back in form. The good news? There’s time to get it right. The bad? We’re just not quite there yet.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Aaron Nola’s right ankle sprain is not healing as quickly as the Phillies originally anticipated and it does not sound like he will throw a bullpen session this weekend at Sutter Health Park.
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