WashingtonAaron Nola of the Philadelphia Phillies had a brief maiden start following his comeback off the injured list.
Sunday’s start against the Washington Nationals ended when seven consecutive batters reached safely after the right-hander gave up six runs in 2 1/3 innings.
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In his first major league appearance since May 14, Nola struck out four.
With at least 32 starts and 180 2/3 innings pitched in each of the previous six complete seasons, the former All-Star was among the big leagues’ most resilient pitchers going into the season. However, he missed three months of play this season due to a fractured rib and an injured right ankle.
When Philadelphia placed star Zack Wheeler on the disabled list on Saturday due to a blood clot in his right arm, his comeback took on even greater significance. Despite the Phillies abandoning their plans to employ a six-man rotation, Nola was already set to start following three minor league rehab appearances.
Nola seemed to settle in after giving up Luis Garc a Jr.’s leadoff single in the first inning. Philadelphia took a 6-0 lead as he retired the next seven batters.
In the third inning, the Nationals put together three straight hits, with CJ Abrams scoring the final one. Pitching coach Caleb Cotham visited the mound as a result, but Nola walked Paul DeJong before allowing Dylan Crews to double and Daylen Lile to single. Jos Tena ended Nola’s day with a tying double.
Nola threw 53 pitches and gave up seven hits. He had an ERA of 6.92.
The Phillies optioned infielder Otto Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and recalled third baseman Alec Bohm from the injured list in addition to Nola assuming Wheeler’s place on the roster. Philly cut outfielder Cal Stevenson to create space on the 40-man roster for Nola.
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Link: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb AP MLB
