CLEARWATER, Fla. – After a challenging 2025 campaign limited by rib and ankle injuries, pitcher Aaron Nola is focused on improving his fastball as he prepares for the upcoming season. The Phillies’ veteran is determined to regain some lost velocity and sharpen his command during spring training, aiming to rebound from a season marked by a career-high ERA and career-low number of starts.
Injuries and Performance Struggles Hampered Nola Last Season
Nola’s 2025 season was curtailed to only 17 starts, his fewest in a full year, due to injuries that affected his performance. His earned run average (6.01) and walks plus hits per inning pitched (1.346) both rose to career highs, reflecting the struggles he faced on the mound. Opponents hit .266 against him last year with a hard-hit rate of 43.3 percent, according to Statcast, the highest marks in his major league career. Additionally, batters slugged .480 and posted an OPS of .805 versus Nola, underscoring the dip in his effectiveness.
On the radar gun, his average fastball velocity fell below 92 miles per hour for the first time in eight years, signaling a reduction in overall “stuff” that concerned both fans and analysts.
Focus on Command and Late Movement Rather Than Pure Speed
Despite the velocity decline, Nola understands he is not a typical power pitcher. Known for his command and ability to change speeds, he is honing in on specific aspects of his delivery to regain “late life” on his fastball rather than sheer speed. As Nola explained,
“Obviously, my focus is on command,”
“But I’m trying to get some late jump on the fastball. I’m not going to be throwing 100 (mph), but the late life, that’s kind of what I’m focused on.”
He emphasized that improving extension – the position of the body during delivery – is critical to achieve this goal.
“Trying to get the body in good position with the delivery. You’re always trying to keep your delivery sharp.”
Nola’s Career, Durability, and Importance to Phillies’ Rotation
Entering his 12th season with the Philadelphia Phillies, Nola has been a cornerstone for the team. A native of Baton Rouge and admired for his professionalism, he ranks second in Phillies history for strikeouts with 1,876, fifth in starts at 285, and holds top-ten placements in wins and innings pitched. Over eight seasons from 2017 through 2024, Nola led the major leagues in innings pitched with 1,432 2/3 innings, demonstrating remarkable durability before the setbacks in 2025.
With pitchers’ workloads naturally limited over time, questions have surfaced about whether last year’s injuries are signs of decline or a one-off rough season. The Phillies are hopeful Nola will return to form given his significance to their 2026 prospects, especially since their pitching depth beyond the top five starters remains thin. Nola is signed through the next five years at a $24.5 million annual salary, emphasizing the organization’s investment in his rebound.
Nola’s Positive Outlook and Spring Debut Performance
Despite the challenges, Nola is optimistic about his health and upcoming season. After making his spring training debut with two innings against the Miami Marlins, where he threw a scoreless first inning and allowed two runs in the second inning, he demonstrated encouraging signs. His fastball averaged 91.7 mph with a peak speed of 93 mph, and he recorded six swings and misses over 31 pitches while striking out two and issuing no walks.
“I feel good, I really do,”
“Obviously, I had the injuries last year, but before that, I felt great. My body feels good ramping up. I’m in good condition. I hope I’m healthy all year. I’m ready for 32, 33 starts again. I’m preparing for that.”
Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised Nola’s outing as well, noting,
“He touched 93 (mph) and commanded the baseball. Normally, his velocity is not there yet. That comes later in camp, but he looked strong. The curveball was really good. He got some swing and miss, which is good to see. I like what I saw. He should have been out of that (second) inning, really.”
Thomson, who favors traditional training methods, also highlighted Nola’s offseason regimen, which involved increased long-toss work.
“I’m old-school. I think long-toss helps.”
The Role of Improved Velocity in Nola’s Pitching Strategy
Adding velocity, even modestly, remains a key target as it can enhance the effectiveness of Nola’s breaking pitches and changeup. Thomson explained,
“He doesn’t have to be 97-98 (mph). If he’s in that 93-94 (mph) range, it makes his curveball better. They have to be ready for a little bit of fastball so the change-up becomes better. I just think the stuff turns up a little.”
Upcoming Schedule and International Play with Team Italy
Nola will make one final spring start before joining Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, honoring his great-grandparents’ heritage. He is slated to pitch against Mexico on March 11 in Houston. Known for his light-hearted personality, Nola joked about looking forward to the local cuisine, saying,
“I’m excited to eat their food,”
His early preparation for the WBC included adjusting his training schedule to accommodate international competition, reflecting his commitment to both the Phillies and his heritage team.
