MLB News: Phillies' Nola Out With Ankle Injury, Abel To Start Sunday

Michael

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Post on May 26, 2025

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MLB News: Phillies Ace Nola Out with Ankle Injury, Abel to Get Sunday Start

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies received a significant blow on Thursday as ace pitcher Aaron Nola was ruled out with an ankle injury, throwing a wrench into their playoff push. The team announced that Nola suffered a sprained right ankle during Wednesday night's game against the Washington Nationals and will be sidelined indefinitely. This leaves a gaping hole in the Phillies' rotation, forcing a reshuffle of their pitching plans for the crucial final stretch of the season.

The injury occurred in the third inning of Wednesday's game, though the specifics haven't been fully detailed by the team. Nola, visibly in discomfort, left the game early, replaced by reliever Andrew Bellatti. While the initial diagnosis points to a sprained ankle, further evaluation is pending to determine the severity and the length of Nola's recovery. The Phillies have yet to announce a timetable for his return.

<h3>Abel Steps Up to Fill the Void</h3>

In the wake of Nola's injury, rookie Andrew Painter's anticipated return has taken on even greater significance. While Painter's own injury recovery timeline remains uncertain, his potential return could offer some much-needed relief. However, in the immediate term, the team has turned to prospect Griff McGarry, optioned from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and 2023 first-round draft pick Mick Abel will get the nod for Sunday's crucial matchup against the Atlanta Braves.

This represents a significant opportunity for Abel, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his minor league appearances. The right-hander will be making his major league debut, facing the pressure of a pivotal game against a division rival. His performance will be closely scrutinized, not just by Phillies fans, but by the entire baseball world. The team will undoubtedly be leaning on their bullpen to support Abel, especially considering the high stakes involved in this upcoming series.

<h3>Impact on the Phillies' Playoff Hopes</h3>

Nola's absence is a serious setback for the Phillies, who are currently battling for a playoff spot. The team needs every win they can get in this competitive National League East division. Losing their top starter significantly diminishes their chances of securing a wild-card berth, making the upcoming games against the Braves incredibly important.

The Phillies’ pitching staff will need to step up collectively to compensate for Nola's absence. Their bullpen, already under pressure, will likely see an increased workload in the coming weeks. The next few weeks will be a test of resilience and depth for the entire organization. The team’s success hinges on the performances of its remaining starters and the reliability of its bullpen.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and Opportunity</h3>

The coming weeks will be crucial for the Phillies. While the injury to Nola is a major blow, it also presents an opportunity for other pitchers to prove themselves on the major league stage. The focus now shifts to maximizing the performance of the remaining pitching staff and providing strong offensive support to ensure a successful run in the final stretch of the season. The Phillies will need every ounce of grit and determination to overcome this challenge and keep their playoff hopes alive. The situation demands a team effort, and the upcoming games will be a true test of their mettle.

Keywords: Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, injury, ankle injury, sprained ankle, Andrew Abel, Griff McGarry, Mick Abel, MLB news, playoff race, baseball, Atlanta Braves, National League East, Andrew Bellatti, Major League Baseball, Phillies rotation.