Aaron Nola Set for First Triple-A Rehab Start Following Ankle and Rib Injuries

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola is scheduled to make his first injury rehabilitation start Thursday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley at Worcester, where he is expected to throw approximately 60 pitches. Nola has been sidelined since May, working his way back from a sprained right ankle sustained on May 8 during agility drills and a fractured rib, which was identified by an MRI in early June after a bullpen session left him sore. This marks his first time on the injured list for a physical injury since 2017; prior to these setbacks, he held a 1-7 record with a 6.16 ERA across nine starts and 49 2/3 innings. His recent progress, including throwing batting practice on Friday, suggests his return will eventually lead to Taijuan Walker moving back to the bullpen.