Phillies’ Aaron Nola Suffers ‘Significant Setback’ Amid Injury Recovery originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies placed Aaron Nola on the injured list due to a sprained ankle, with the thought that it wouldn’t be a long-term issue. So much so that they even sent Mick Abel back down to the Minor Leagues despite his incredible start in Nolas’ absence.
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However, after the Phillies had been working with Nola in his recovery, he reportedly suffered a significant setback. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola had an MRI, which showed a stress fracture in his right rib cage.
The updated injury diagnosis is a huge blow to Nola, as it’s a setback that will force him to throw for at least two more weeks. Nola will also now be unlikely to return before the All-Star break for the Phillies, which puts Nola as projected to be out until after mid-July.
This news is a huge blow to the Phillies and Nola. After a tough start to the year, Nola was sitting with a 6.16 ERA and a 1-7 record. His beginning to the year didn’t bode well, but with the new diagnosis, there might be an explanation behind his inexplicably bad start to the year.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
In the offseason, Nola signed a massive extension with the Phillies for seven years at $172 million total. He’s signed to the Phillies through the 2030 season. After this setback, that contract extension isn’t looking too great for the Phillies.
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While a horrible update on Nola’s injury, it does open the door firmly for Abel to continue to get starts for the Phillies. After his first two starts, there is a lot of promise. He went toe-to-toe with Paul Skenes in a nine-strikeout debut, and in his first road performance, he went 5.1 strong innings.
Abel will take over Nola’s spot through the All-Star break, and potentially for even longer. But, things will get crowded when Nola returns after the All-Star break, as that lines up with Andrew Painter’s MLB debut is anticipated.
Late July and early August are likely to be a very interesting time for the Phillies’ starting pitching staff. With Nola, Abel, and Painter taking center stage in a rotation reshuffling late in the season.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.