Phillies Skipper Breaks Down Aaron Nola’s Starts Against Pirates

(Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

Aaron Nola has shown flashes this season of being the effective pitcher and dominant pitcher he’s been in years past, but that was not the pitcher that the Philadelphia Phillies got against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday evening.

Nola threw just 3.2 innings and gave up six hits and six earned runs on the evening. That outing is a new season-low for the veteran, and also a season-high in runs allowed.

Don Mattingly believes Nola’s struggles in this start simply came down to his command. “He just didn’t locate tonight,” said Philly’s skipper after the game.

“He just couldn't get his, you know, we know, he knows how he needs to pitch, but he's not getting the breaking ball over, being able to use his change-up and then miss some spots. It's probably the least command he's had this year.”

Based on what Mattginaly has seen from Nola from the dugout, he doesn’t believe this command problem wil be one that lingers throughout the seasons.

“I don't expect that to be like that. So he's a guy that, you know, we trust. He's gonna be fine,” explained Mattingly.

Throughout Nola’s career, he’s always been known for his command and ability to control the strike zone. It’s understandable to believe that Nola won’t struggle with finding the zone like this for the rest of the season, but at the same time, he still needs to figure out a way to generate more swing and miss.

After this start, Nola’s season ERA is now up to 5.91, and his WHIP is at 1.55. These definitely were not the numbers the Phillies were hoping or expecting from him entering the 2026 season.

The good news for Nola is that his undwerwhelming outings didn’t end up costing the Phillies a win. Philadelphia’s offense stormed back from being down six runs and ended up winning in extra innings.

However, the Phillies still desperately need Nola to get back to being a little more consistent on the mound. Philadelphia doesn’t have too many starting options outside of their current rotation, and they’re relying on the veteran to be an All-Star caliber pitcher, as he has been in the past.