Prior to the start of the series between the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies, the Phillies announced they have reinstated veteran right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola from the paternity list. As a corresponding move, the team optioned Nolan Hoffman back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Nola had been placed on the paternity list on May 29, as he and his wife, Hunter Jayde, welcomed their second child, Walter Jude, per John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The former All-Star has struggled for the Phillies since signing a seven-year, $172 million contract in 2023, outside of a decent 2024 campaign. In 2025, Nola had the worst season of his long career, posting a 6.01 ERA in only 94 1/3 innings. This was the first time of Nola's career where he missed significant time with an injury, as he is usually an innings-eater.
2026 has also not been a great start for the 32-year-old. Nola has pitched 56 2/3 innings to the tune of a 5.72 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 11 starts. He had an encouraging last outing against the Padres last Tuesday when he pitched six innings of two run ball.
With Nola being reinstated, the organization sent down rookie right-hander Nolan Hoffman. In 4 2/3 innings this season, Hoffman has pitched to a 3.86 ERA.
Nola will make his return starting against San Diego once again, hoping to build off of his last start. His issue this season has been his four-seam fastball, which ranks in the first percentile in MLB. However, his breaking and offspeed pitches are excellent, ranking in the 98th and 85th percentile respectively. If Nola can lean more onto those pitches and lower his fastball usage, he could get back to the vintage Nola we saw for many seasons in the start of his career.
The Phillies starting pitching rotation has been great outside of a struggling Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter. Zach Wheeler and Christopher Sánchez have led the way and will be a nasty one-two punch if the Phillies can make the postseason.
Nola thrived in a short, piggyback role during the 2025 postseason, where he pitched two great innings before being relieved. The Phillies could try this role out with Nola later into the season if he is unable to succeed in the starting position.
Aaron Nola makes his return to the mound against the Padres Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. ET in Philadelphia.
