Overview
- The Phillies placed right-hander Aaron Nola on the MLB paternity list on Friday, temporarily removing him from the active roster while he welcomes a child.
- In response the team recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A and outfielder Steward Berroa while optioning utility player Otto Kemp to Lehigh Valley to free a roster spot.
- Philadelphia dropped the Dodgers series opener 4-2 after the moves, a game that underscored the team’s need for reliable pitching and bullpen flexibility.
- Interim manager Don Mattingly, who replaced Rob Thomson after a 9-19 start, has guided the club back to a 29-28 record and must now manage rotation workload and reliever usage during Nola’s short absence.
- Nola is targeting a return early next week, reportedly Tuesday when the Phillies host San Diego, and his planned timeline will determine whether the team needs further pitching adjustments.