For much of the last two seasons, Aaron Nola appeared to be washed up. After going 5-10 with a career-worst 6.01 ERA in 2025, Nola went 3-8 with a 5.82 ERA through July 22.
The 33-year-old righty has miraculously returned to form over the last month, however, going 2-1 with a 2.54 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings over his last five starts. He's finally pitching like his All-Star self again, saving his rotation job in the process.
His resurgence couldn't have come at a better time for the Philadelphia Phillies, who have the second Wild Card spot in the National League and are in the thick of a playoff race. He's already contributed a pair of victories to their current six-game winning streak.
All of Nola's pitches have been working lately, especially his knuckle curve. He's getting more whiffs and has his highest strikeout rate since 2022.
He's not totally fixed, however, as he's still allowing too many home runs and walks. He's allowed the most homers in baseball this year and needs to do a better job of keeping the ball in the park.
But for now, he's giving the Phillies exactly what they need with consistent, high-quality innings. If he keeps it up down the stretch, it will go a long way towards helping them make the playoffs for the fifth straight season.