Under interim manager Don Mattingly, the Philadelphia Phillies have started to generate some real positive momentum.
After a 9-19 start through their first 28 games, the Phillies dismissed manager Rob Thomson. In the seven contests since that change, they’ve gone 6-1 and are guiding their season back on course.
A key factor in their recent success against the San Francisco Giants and Miami Marlins has been the pitching staff. Jesús Luzardo has caught fire following a rough beginning, and Zack Wheeler stepping in for Taijuan Walker has also elevated the team’s potential.
In the series finale versus the Marlins, it was Aaron Nola’s chance to deliver a classic performance and spark what the organization hopes will be a revival of his season.
Aaron Nola shines against the Marlins
Over his first six starts of the 2026 campaign, the veteran right-hander posted a 6.03 ERA across 31.1 innings. While his 35 strikeouts were a promising sign, he struggled in two critical areas: surrendering six home runs and issuing 13 walks.
Although Philadelphia won his first two outings, the club then dropped four consecutive Nola starts. That losing streak ended against Miami, as the veteran baffled the Marlins and helped the Phillies capture three of four games in the series.
This was easily his finest performance of the season so far: six shutout innings, allowing just five hits and crucially no walks. He also recorded five strikeouts.
In what became a 1-0 Phillies victory, the game’s only run came from Bryce Harper, who launched a solo home run in the top of the third inning his seventh homer of the year.
With that strong outing against the Marlins, Nola’s season ERA now sits at 5.06, dropping nearly a full run. If he can consistently deliver six innings and keep the team competitive, it would be a major lift for Philadelphia.
He is no longer counted on as an ace to lead the rotation. In this pitching staff, he is at best the No. 4 option, alongside Andrew Painter, who is just starting his Major League journey. Mattingly will look to Nola as someone who can reliably eat innings from the back end and give the club a chance to win.
That gives the Phillies a significant edge: having an experienced, talented pitcher like Nola anchoring the back of the rotation next to a young arm with Painter’s upside.
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