The Philadelphia Phillies have leaned on the stability of their starting rotation for years. But entering the 2026 season, that sense of certainty is beginning to show a few cracks.
Mar 4, 2026; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the first inning against Team Canada at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Ranger Suárez has moved on to the Boston Red Sox. Zack Wheeler is still recovering from surgery to treat venous thoracic outlet syndrome and isn’t expected to be ready for Opening Day. Meanwhile, top pitching prospect Andrew Painter appears poised to claim a spot in the rotation.
All of that places even more attention on Aaron Nola — and whether the veteran right-hander can bounce back from one of the most difficult seasons of his career.
Early signs from spring training suggest he might be doing exactly that.
During a Grapefruit League start on March 4 against Team Canada, Nola reached a fastball velocity that he didn’t hit until much later in the 2025 season. According to PHLY Sports reporter Corey Seidman, Nola’s fastball topped out at 93.9 mph in the outing.
That number might not seem eye-popping by modern standards, but the timing is what stands out. Last year, Nola didn’t reach that velocity until May 3 — nearly two months into the regular season.
For a pitcher who struggled with consistency in 2025, reaching that mark this early in spring training could be an encouraging signal.
Nola’s overall performance in the game backed up the positive reading on the radar gun. The veteran right-hander worked three innings without issuing a walk or allowing a run, while striking out four batters.
It marked his second appearance of the spring.
His first outing came on Feb. 27 in a split-squad game against the Miami Marlins. In that start, Nola threw two innings, allowing one earned run on two hits while recording two strikeouts and no walks.
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury, Nola’s fastball averaged 91.7 mph in that first appearance. The pitch ticked up slightly in the Team Canada start, averaging 92.1 mph according to The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes.
While velocity is one piece of the puzzle, Nola has made it clear that his focus heading into 2026 goes deeper than just the radar gun.
The right-hander has been working extensively on command and refining the mechanics that help give his fastball extra life.
“Obviously, my focus is on command,” Nola explained when discussing his disappointing 2025 campaign. “But I’m trying to get some late jump on the fastball. I’m not going to be throwing 100, but the late life, that’s kind of what I’m focused on.”
For Nola, that late movement begins with a simple mechanical adjustment.
“Extension,” he said. “Trying to get the body in good position with the delivery. You’re always trying to keep your delivery sharp.”
So far, the early spring results suggest that work may already be paying off.
Before the Phillies open their regular season on March 26, Nola will also take the mound on an international stage. The veteran is set to pitch for Team Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, giving him another opportunity to fine-tune his form.
If the early velocity gains and improved command continue, the Phillies could soon see a much different version of Aaron Nola than the one who struggled through 2025 — and that would be a welcome development for a rotation entering the year with several question marks.
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