In his inaugural spring training appearance since securing a lucrative $172 million, seven-year contract extension with the Phillies, Philadelphia’s right-handed pitcher, Aaron Nola, delivered an impeccable performance, tossing two flawless innings against the New York Yankees.
During his 33-pitch outing, Nola showcased his prowess by striking out three batters, contributing to the Phillies’ commanding 4-0 victory over the Yankees.
This season marks Nola’s 10th in Major League Baseball, positioning him to potentially establish himself as the longest-serving pitcher in Phillies history, surpassing the remarkable tenure of Steve Carlton, who spent 15 years with the team.
Despite encountering occasional challenges during the previous regular season, where he concluded with a 12-9 record and a 4.46 ERA, Nola showcased his mettle in the postseason, boasting a stellar 2.35 ERA and recording 23 strikeouts across 23 innings. His durability is also noteworthy, with his 1,065 1/3 innings pitched since 2018 ranking second only to Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole.
Looking ahead, Phillies manager Rob Thomson disclosed plans for star players J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper, slated to make their spring training debuts on Wednesday in a home game against the Atlanta Braves. Additionally, Harper is anticipated to resume his role at first base for the upcoming season.
