Buddy Kennedy gets the call, Aaron Nola’s first half is officially over

The Phillies made a couple of roster moves today, and they tell you exactly where things stand: Aaron Nola is out long-term, and Buddy Kennedy is back in the bigs.

Buddy Kennedy gets the call, Aaron Nola’s first half is officially over

Today the Phillies selected the contract of INF Buddy Kennedy from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, INF/OF Weston Wilson was optioned to LHV following last night’s game. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Aaron Nola was transferred to the 60-day IL.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 19, 2025

Let’s start with Nola. He’s been moved to the 60-day injured list, which officially ends his first half. Originally, it was a right ankle sprain. Now, it’s a stress fracture in his rib. Either way, he hasn’t pitched since May 14 and won’t be back until at least August.

Aaron Nola reveals his stress reaction in his rib cage is actually a fracture

Realistically, this move was inevitable — he still has to get through bullpen sessions, face live hitters, go on a rehab assignment, and actually look ready. He was never coming back before the All-Star break, and now it’s confirmed.

To replace Nola on the 40-man roster, the Phillies selected the contract of infielder Buddy Kennedy, and optioned Weston Wilson to Triple-A after last night’s game.

Wilson just hasn’t been hitting, and with playing time scarce, the Phils are going with a hotter bat.

Buddy Kennedy earned this.

The 26-year-old Millville native has been solid in Lehigh Valley, slashing .283/.388/.447 with 8 homers and 40 RBI in 268 plate appearances. He’s been playing mostly corner infield (33 starts at first, 15 at third) and could serve as a right-handed bat behind Alec Bohm and Otto Kemp while the team waits for Bryce Harper’s wrist to heal.

We’ve seen flashes from Buddy Kennedy before. He walked right before Kody Clemens’ walk-off hit last September and delivered a game-tying double against the Mets the next week. He’s not a superstar, but he’s capable of a big moment.

One important note: Kennedy hasn’t played the outfield this year, even though the Phillies tried it in spring. Don’t expect him out there. He’s here to be a corner infielder, plain and simple.

Aaron Nola’s injury puts even more pressure on the rotation. Ranger Suárez is pitching like a Cy Young candidate. Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler have been steady.

Mick Abel is up but losing your $172 million arm for half the season, especially in a year you’re trying to win the whole thing, is a gut punch.

Hopefully Kennedy brings some spark while the Phillies wait for Harper and Nola to return. Either way, expect more moves as the trade deadline creeps closer. The pitching depth is getting thin.

For now, welcome back Buddy Kennedy. And Nola? We’ll see you in August.

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