Heading into the 2026 MLB regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies were widely viewed as having their pitching staff particularly the starting rotation as their greatest asset.
Since Zack Wheeler replaced the ineffective Taijuan Walker (who was later released), the rotation has largely lived up to that billing. Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez form a formidable top duo, while Jesús Luzardo has shown moments of brilliance.
Andrew Painter and Aaron Nola have delivered inconsistent results, to say the least, though both have shown signs of improvement, largely due to changes in their pitch selection.
Nola has now strung together two consecutive improved outings, both against the San Diego Padres. On May 26, he threw six solid innings, surrendering just two runs on three hits and no walks, while striking out five.
Aaron Nola delivers another strong start versus Padres
That marked the third time in five starts Nola avoided issuing a walk a significant shift given his early-season control issues. He carried that momentum into his June 2 start against the Padres, allowing only two earned runs on four hits, again with no walks. The lone blemish came via a two-run homer by Gavin Sheets, as the long ball remains a minor concern.
Those were the only runs San Diego managed, and Nola added eight strikeouts. What’s behind the turnaround? According to Joseph Cammisa on X, the veteran right-hander has adjusted his pitch mix.
Earlier, Nola struggled badly with his fastball, unable to command it consistently. This put him in tough situations, falling behind hitters and allowing them to work from favorable counts. Opponents capitalized, crushing his fastball which also lacked the life it once had. Poor location didn’t always mean walks; often, it meant missing inside the zone, with hitters ready to pounce.
Meanwhile, his curveball remained highly effective, but he couldn’t get to counts where he could use it often. As Cammisa noted, that usage has now flipped: Nola is incorporating his curveball more while dialing back on the four-seam fastball.
Through two starts, the results have been outstanding. If Nola can consistently provide five or six effective innings, it would dramatically alter the Phillies’ outlook. Early on, he wasn’t giving the team much of a chance to win—but his repertoire adjustments may be changing that.
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