Phillies Nuggets: Latest on Aaron Nola, Nick Castellanos from NYC

NEW YORK — After pitching successfully in a live batting practice Friday, Aaron Nola is ready for a rehab assignment. 

Prior to Saturday's matinee against the Yankees, Phillies' manager Rob Thomson announced that Nola will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday. He'll throw 60 pitches and/or three innings against the Worcester Red Sox. 

Nola hasn't pitched since May 14, as he was initially sidelined with a right ankle sprain, and then was later diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right ribcage. After his live BP Friday, he talked about how excited he is to rejoin the rotation in the not-so-distant future. 

"Obviously, I want to get back for sure," Nola said. "It's tough not pitching for ... gosh, I went on the IL in May, so it's been a little while. I'm here to pitch and I haven't done that in a little while. 

"...I'm excited to get back out there and help the team as best as I can," Nola added. "Trying to finish strong and keep my body strong from here on out. I'm excited to go to Lehigh and pitch a couple games and finally get in game situations." 

Aaron Nola: “I’m excited to go to Lehigh and pitch a couple games.”

He did three up-downs in a live BP today, throwing around 60 pitches. He was pain free.

(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/fTSEEs7ptN

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) July 25, 2025

Thomson said he would like to see Nola build up to at least 90 pitches before returning to the Phillies. 

Prior to this season, Nola had been probably the most durable pitcher in baseball, having pitched 180 or more innings every season since 2018, with the exception of the pandemic-shortened season. 

Given the recent struggles of Jesús Luzardo and some concerns about Ranger Suárez's durability, getting back a healthy and effective version of Nola — as opposed to the one that posted a 6.16 ERA over his first nine starts of the season — would be a huge development for a rotation led by Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez. 

The Nuggets

• Nick Castellanos is out of the lineup Saturday for just the second time this season. But while Twitter sleuths thought it might be an indication that Castellanos was getting traded, Thomson said that Castellanos jammed his left knee on the final play of Friday's win and was dealing with some soreness. He'll be reevaluated Sunday. He was in the clubhouse Saturday morning, and seemed to be in good spirits. 
• The Phillies are continuing to wear their maroon throwback caps for Hall of Fame weekend Saturday. Why they didn't pack the powder blue uniforms that actually match with them is unclear. 
• Taijuan Walker acknowledged after last night's start that he expects to be the odd-man-out in the starting rotation when Nola returns: 

Taijuan Walker acknowledged to @TyDaubert and @TimKellySports last night that he does expect to end up back in the bullpen at some point this season. pic.twitter.com/lOheQ2W6aV

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) July 26, 2025

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