PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies’ public stance of support for their high-priced ace, Aaron Nola, is facing its most severe test yet after the right-hander coughed up an early 5-0 lead in a disastrous 11-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park .
The loss marked the latest chapter in what has become a troubling trend for the 33-year-old Nola, who is in the third year of a seven-year, $172 million contract the richest for a pitcher in Phillies history . Despite the mounting struggles, team officials continue to publicly back the veteran starter, though the organization’s options appear increasingly limited.
The game began with promise for the Phillies, who jumped out to a 5-0 lead by the third inning behind home runs from Trea Turner, Brandon Marsh, and Bryce Harper . Nola, making his 302nd career start for the Phillies and passing Chris Short for the third-most in franchise history, appeared to have early command .
However, the wheels came off when the Pirates’ lineup turned over for the second time. Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez, hitting his fourth home run in as many games, launched a two-run shot in the fourth inning. The bottom fell out in the fifth, when Pittsburgh plated six runs, chasing Nola from the game with one out and the bases loaded .
The final line was brutal: Nola was charged with eight earned runs on eight hits, including two home runs, in just 4 1/3 innings . His ERA ballooned to 6.04, tied for the fourth-highest mark by a Phillies starter through 17 starts since 2000 .
The outing was a haunting echo of Nola’s 2025 campaign, when he held a 6.01 ERA through 17 starts in an injury-riddled season . Over his last 36 starts dating back to the beginning of last year, Nola now carries a 6.02 ERA, prompting audible boos from the home crowd that reflected frustration with a long-term issue rather than a single poor performance .
Analysts have pointed to a decline in Nola’s once-elite command as the primary culprit. The implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System has tightened the strike zone, and Nola has admitted to struggling with the adjustment .
“I don’t really have as much room for play as we used to. I don’t get as many calls that I used to, so that changes the whole game,” Nola told NBC Sports Philadelphia earlier this season .
The numbers support his struggles with command. His fastball, which averages 91.2 MPH, has been particularly ineffective. Opponents are hitting .396 with a .721 slugging percentage against his fastballs, resulting in a -16 run value the worst among all MLB starting pitchers . Left-handed hitters have crushed him to a .303/.389/.495 slash line .
Following his All-Star caliber seasons from 2017 to 2024, the Phillies prioritized bringing Nola back, opting for a long-term deal over pursuing other top-tier free agents . However, the contract which still has over $100 million guaranteed through the 2030 season has quickly transformed from an asset to a significant financial liability .
Industry analysts have described Nola’s deal as “untradeable,” further complicated by the fact that he holds 10-and-5 rights (10 years in MLB, five with the current team), giving him the ability to veto any trade . The Phillies also cannot option him to Triple-A without his consent, leaving the front office with little recourse other than to hope he turns things around .
Interim manager Don Mattingly, who took over after Rob Thomson’s firing earlier in the season, has emphasized that the coaching staff is working on adjustments. “Obviously, the large sample is a little bit of a trend that you don’t like,” Mattingly said of Nola’s struggles. “I know [pitching coach Caleb Cotham] and the guys are always working on what we can do differently, what we can do better” .
The Phillies (47-38) remain competitive, sitting second in the NL East, largely thanks to a formidable lineup and a strong top of the rotation featuring Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler . However, the inconsistency from the back of the rotation, particularly from Nola and the now-optioned Andrew Painter, threatens to undermine a team with World Series aspirations.
While the front office is reportedly looking for starting pitching help ahead of the trade deadline, the reality is that Nola’s contract ensures he will continue to get opportunities to prove he can rediscover his form . For now, the Phillies’ public stance is one of support, but the margin for error in a tight playoff race is shrinking with each Nola blowup.
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