Phillies starter Aaron Nola shut down from throwing as puzzling IL stint gets new diagnosis

PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Nola’s elongated, puzzling stint on the injured list doesn’t appear to be ending soon.

A recent MRI revealed a “stress reaction” in the starting pitcher’s right rib, Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced Tuesday. He’ll be shut down from throwing for the next two weeks, and it’s hard to predict when he’ll be back on the mound for Philadelphia. By the time he builds up his pitch count, it could be at least another month.

Nola, one of the most durable pitchers in recent memory, has been out since May 16, now with multiple ailments. It’s been his first time on the IL with something other than COVID since 2017, and the length of his stay has been frustrating for the pitcher.

“Very, because you know Noles,” Thomson said. “He’s a competitor. He wants to play, wants to pitch. He wants to help us win.”

The right-hander originally landed on the 15-day IL with a sprained right ankle. He tried to pitch through the injury for two games, but the Phillies pulled the plug after he surrendered nine runs against the Cardinals on May 14.

After the ankle healed more slowly than expected, Nola later suffered the rib issue while trying to work his way back. The Phillies aren’t sure what caused it, but the diagnosis explained some discomfort he was feeling on his side.

“I have no idea, because he doesn’t really remember the moment that it happened,” Thomson said. “I think he just woke up one day and it was sore. So the MRI confirmed it.”

While Nola has a 6.16 ERA in nine starts this season, Philadelphia and its thin bullpen could certainly use the veteran around to eat up innings. Luckily, the team has found a viable replacement so far in rookie Mick Abel, who made a stellar debut in a spot start shortly after Nola first went out and has since returned to the rotation in his place.

“What I’ve seen so far from Mick is a guy that’s really mature,” Thomson said. “His poise and composure is fantastic. Strike-throwing ability, being able to spin the baseball and spin it for strikes. He’s really been fantastic. I hope he keeps it going.”

Nola’s prolonged absence should open up some additional runway for the former first-round pick. The 23-year-old Abel has taken advantage of his opportunity with two strong outings to begin his career in the major leagues, allowing only one earned run in 11 1/3 innings with 11 strikeouts and no walks.

After struggling in the minors last year, Abel has been a revelation this season and has developed into a contributor for the Phillies. He’ll take the ball on Tuesday night against right-hander Colin Rea and the Cubs in the second of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park following Philadelphia’s 11-inning win in Monday’s opener.

“I think he just needs to take it one game at a time and go get ’em,” Thomson said.