Overview
- In Monday’s start at PNC Park Nola surrendered eight earned runs in 4.1 innings after the Phillies built a 5-0 lead, a collapse that left his 2026 ERA around 6.04.
- The outing continued a pattern of short outings and big innings that began in 2025 and has included multiple multi-homer games and an elevated home-run rate this season.
- Nola and the coaching staff have been experimenting with his pitch mix, including throwing a slider he had not used professionally before, as he searches for fixes.
- Philadelphia’s practical options are constrained because Nola is under a long-term deal through 2030 with more than $100 million remaining and 10-and-5 service rights that let him block trades or a demotion.
- The Phillies have relied mainly on Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo for rotation stability, and the team says it may pursue an additional starter at the trade deadline if Nola does not turn things around.