Aaron Nola’s Role in the Phillies’ Playoff Plans
As the Philadelphia Phillies gear up for the postseason, the role of Aaron Nola appears to be taking shape. With a playoff berth secured and the team clinching their second consecutive NL East title, the focus now shifts to finalizing the rotation for the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park.
Playoff Preparations Underway
Manager Rob Thomson is already strategizing the pitching lineup, ensuring that his starters are primed for their playoff roles. Cristopher Sanchez has been designated as the Game 1 starter, a decision that aligns with Thomson’s plan for the rotation. Sanchez is set to pitch on Tuesday, followed by the regular season finale on September 28.
Thomson expressed confidence in his approach, noting, “We can manipulate a lot of things after that. But Sanchy’s the key right now.” This indicates that Sanchez’s performance will be pivotal as the team navigates through the early playoff rounds.
Nola’s Position as Fourth Starter
With Sanchez leading the charge, attention turns to how the remaining games will unfold. Ranger Suarez is expected to start Game 2, while Jesus Luzardo is lined up for Game 3. This configuration leaves Nola on the sidelines, with his role in question due to a disappointing season. Despite speculation that he could serve as a bullpen option or break up the left-handed starters, Thomson has made it clear that Nola will be waiting in the wings as the fourth starter.
“I mean, Nola’s never pitched out of the ‘pen,” Thomson remarked, reinforcing the notion that Nola’s position is firmly established in the rotation.
A Season of Struggles for Nola
This season has been challenging for the veteran pitcher, who is experiencing the worst performance of his career. It’s hard to believe that just two years after signing a lucrative $172 million contract, Nola finds himself as the last starter in the rotation.
However, interpreting Nola’s position can be approached from two angles. On one hand, it suggests a decline for the highest-paid pitcher on the roster; on the other, it positions him as potentially the best fourth starter in the playoffs.
For this positive perspective to hold true, Nola must rise to the occasion. Though his season has been underwhelming, he boasts significant playoff experience, including a stellar 2.35 ERA across four postseason starts in 2023.
The Road Ahead
As the Phillies prepare for the playoffs, they will need the best version of Nola to emerge if they hope to make a deep run. Should he find his form, the struggles of the regular season could quickly fade into the background, replaced by the impact he can bring to the team’s playoff aspirations.
