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As anticipation builds around today’s matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Oakland Athletics, fans hoping to see ace right-hander Aaron Nola back on the mound will have to wait a little longer. Despite early optimism surrounding his recovery, the pitcher’s right ankle sprain has not progressed as swiftly as expected, officially ruling him out of today’s clash.
Recovery slower than anticipated
Aaron Nola, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 16, has been sidelined since aggravating his ankle—a setback that had already affected his performance over two starts prior to his removal from the active roster. The team initially hoped the right-hander would be ready to throw a bullpen session this weekend, potentially paving the way for a return. However, those plans have been put on hold.
"No bullpen today. He was still a little sore today. It's day by day. We'll see if he's OK tomorrow," Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirmed ahead of Saturday’s game, shutting down speculation of a surprise return.
Thomson further admitted that the timeline has shifted more than he expected. "Originally, yeah. I thought by this weekend he'd be throwing a bullpen but he still feels it in there. There's no sense in pushing it."
Stadium conditions raise additional concerns
Nola’s recovery is being handled with extra caution, and with good reason. The Phillies are currently playing at Sutter Health Park, a minor-league stadium that’s temporarily home to the Athletics. The playing conditions, especially the quality of the mounds, have come under scrutiny.
Zack Wheeler, who pitched 6⅔ scoreless innings Friday night, described both the field and bullpen mounds as “terrible,” a sentiment echoed by Jordan Romano, who also appeared visibly uncomfortable. Given the risk of aggravating the injury on an uneven surface, the decision to keep Aaron Nola off the field appears prudent.
What’s next for Aaron Nola?
As it stands, Nola remains in a day-to-day evaluation phase, and there is no definitive timetable for his return. This current stint on the injured list is his first in over seven years, underscoring both his usual durability and the unusual nature of this setback.
Impact on Phillies' lineup
The Phillies will also be without Edmundo Sosa, who injured his left wrist during Friday’s win. Though he was originally slated to start against lefty Jeffrey Springs, his absence has shifted Bryson Stott into the lineup.
"I was planning on play Sosa," Thomson explained. "My intention was to try not to upset the apple cart here. But his wrist is bothering him a little bit."
Sosa has been especially productive against left-handers this season, batting .400 (14-for-35), compared to Stott’s .233 (7-for-30). The Phillies are hoping that resting Sosa through Monday will allow him to recover fully without worsening the injury.
With both Aaron Nola and Edmundo Sosa sidelined, the Phillies will need to rely on depth and smart rotation decisions as they continue their road trip. For Nola, the focus remains squarely on recovery. As of today, fans can rest assured: he will not be pitching against the Athletics. The Phillies are playing it smart, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.
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