As of last week, Aaron Nola hadn’t missed a start since May of 2017. However, before last Sunday’s game vs. the Boston Red Sox, Nola was placed on the COVID-related injured list due to close contact with COVID-positive Alec Bohm. In his place, Brandon Kintzler and Cristopher Sánchez outdueled former Phillie Nick Pivetta in Boston.
Considering that Nola wasn’t one of the four announced starters for this weekend’s series against the Miami Marlins, there was a thought that perhaps the Phillies weren’t clear on when the former All-Star would be available again.
However, Joe Girardi told the collective media Friday afternoon, including Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer, that Nola will take the mound Tuesday against the Yankees in New York after clearing COVID protocol. The Yankees have hit just .130 against Nola over two starts since the start of the 2020 season.
Nola’s consistency will be vital for a weak Phillies pitching staff down the stretch. His ability to go deep into games is key for a bullpen which has blown a league-leading 22 saves.
Bailey Falter was also reinstated from the COVID-IL ahead of Friday’s doubleheader.
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