Aaron Nola solid again in second rehab start, closing in on return to Phillies rotation

The return of Aaron Nola is getting closer, and Wednesday night in Allentown was another encouraging step.

Pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Nola allowed one run over 3 2/3 innings in his second rehab appearance, striking out three and walking two while throwing 69 pitches (40 strikes).

He topped out around 93 mph and continued to build up his pitch count — the latest sign that the Phillies’ longtime rotation anchor could be back before the end of August.

Aaron Nola solid again in second rehab start

Hey, @Phillies fans, a familiar face is nearing a return 👀

Former All-Star Aaron Nola uses his four-pitch arsenal to strike out 3 batters over 3 2/3 innings in his second @IronPigs rehab start: pic.twitter.com/obS5vOQt7V

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 6, 2025

It’s been a winding road back. Nola originally hit the injured list on May 15 with a sprained right ankle. But during his ramp-up, he began feeling discomfort in his side. Tests revealed a stress fracture in his rib, a much more serious setback that extended his absence well beyond the original timetable.

Aaron Nola returned to game action last Friday in Worcester, tossing three scoreless innings in his first rehab start. After Wednesday’s outing, Nola told reporters his ankle and rib continue to feel good, and if everything checks out physically again, he’s expected to make a third rehab start early next week, likely Tuesday or Wednesday.

Aaron Nola 2 Starts: 6.2 IP | 7 H | 1 ER | 3 BB | 6 K | 1.35 ERA

Aaron Nola’s stats from his first two rehab starts with AAA Lehigh Valley:

6.2 IP | 7 H | 1 ER | 3 BB | 6 K | 1.35 ERA pic.twitter.com/HG0mWlop3S

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) August 6, 2025

From there, a return to the Phillies’ rotation could come as soon as mid-August. It would be a welcome sight for a club that’s managing Zack Wheeler’s shoulder soreness and has leaned heavily on Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez to carry the load this summer.

Nola’s next outing could be the final hurdle before he’s back on a major league mound.

Aaron Nola on how his body has been feeling during and after rehab starts.

“Normal soreness after the first start. We’ll see how tomorrow feels, but it was nice to kind of run and back up some plays. It felt good.” #Phillies pic.twitter.com/XvTQnNlZYO

— Cory Nidoh (@Cory_Nidoh) August 6, 2025

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