Feb 12, 2025; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) warms up during a spring training workout at Carpenter Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Tracking pitchers' spring training statistics is only slightly less pointless than logging QB passes during NFL training camps. But when the stats match the eye test and the arms look electric, it's worth taking note. So...
Cristopher Sanchez's spring debut on Tuesday? Two scoreless innings.
Zack Wheeler's spring debut on Thursday? Two scoreless innings.
Jesus Luzardo on Friday? Two scoreless innings.
And Aaron Nola on Saturday? You already know: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 20 pitches (14 strikes).
Aaron Nola’s spring debut is done—
2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 Ks on 3 whiffs & 20 pitches.
His fastball sat 90-92 mph. He did not throw the curve—he was working FB and CH often.
Rotation this spring:
8.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 11 Ks.
That’ll play pic.twitter.com/tZOpapPbPU
Nola's results could probably be considered accidental. He was reportedly working only on his fastball and changeup and didn't throw a single curveball. "I wasn't able to even counts with [the changeup in 2024] or get back into a count with it, so I had to rely on other stuff," said Nola after his spring debut. "Every year, I try to sharpen that pitch. That's always a feel pitch for me, like try to get it to sharpen before the season starts and have it all season.”
According to Statcast data, hitters posted an Expected Batting Average (xBA) of .340 against Nola's changeup in 2024, with an Expected Slugging Percentage (xSLG) of .490. Those are Nola's worst numbers for the pitch since his rookie season in 2015.
Nola rediscovering an effective changeup could go a long way towards breaking his odd-year curse in 2025. He threw the pitch four times on Saturday and it was crushed once, for a 110+ mph single.
"Almost got hit in the head," said the veteran righthander. But "the other ones felt pretty good."
Even with Nola's tinkering, the Phillies' starting rotation has looked as formidable as advertised early this spring. Sanchez, Luzardo, and Wheeler drew rave reviews after their performances last week. Ranger Suarez is expected to make his spring debut on Tuesday.
Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez are both scheduled to pitch on Tuesday. Rob Thomson hasn't finalized how it will work. If Wheeler starts against the Yankees, Suarez could follow. But if Suarez starts, Wheeler could pitch at Carpenter Complex instead.
The core members of the Phils' bullpen haven't looked bad either. Jose Alvarado, Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering have each thrown an inning, with only Strahm allowing a run.
What's that? How is the offense doing?
Don't worry about it. It's spring training, their stats don't matter.
