Aaron Nola gives Phillies fans reason to be encouraged after spring struggles

Perhaps Phillies fans concerned with ace Aaron Nola can rest a little easier now.

Based on his numbers, it's understandable that some folks were concerned. Nola’s ERA in his first three Grapefruit League starts was 10.38 ERA, since he allowed 10 earned runs while striking out just five in 8⅔ innings.

Nola and manager Joe Girardi claimed they weren’t too worried after he gave up six earned runs in 2⅔ innings during a March 16 start against the Blue Jays and that Nola was experimenting with some of his pitches, especially a cut fastball.

“That’s the Aaron Nola we’re used to seeing during the season, even though it appeared to be rocky,” Girardi said after the Toronto game. “I actually liked the way the ball was coming out of his hand.”

Girardi couldn't help but love what Nola did vs. a quality Yankees lineup Monday night in Tampa. He tossed six scoreless innings, allowing only a single up the middle by Giancarlo Stanton to lead off the second inning. He walked none and struck out nine.

Nola went through the Yankees’ lineup twice, and got DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge out three times apiece. Nola retired the last seven batters and had four 1-2-3 innings. The only other baserunner was also Stanton, who he hit with a pitch in the fourth.

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Nola struck out No. 9 hitter Clint Frazier on three straight curveballs in the third inning. He threw 84 pitches, 56 of which were strikes.

Nola’s fastball command was much better than in his previous spring starts and it set up all of his other pitches. And, unlike his other outings, he didn’t make any mistakes by leaving the ball up in the strike zone.

“That’s as good as I’ve seen him,” said Girardi after the Phillies’ 4-0 victory. “He had command on both sides of the plate with his fastball. His breaking ball was outstanding. He threw changeups that were really good. He was in total control the whole night.”

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Nola said he felt good throwing in the outfield before his warmup and it carried over to the game.

“My body feels good (and) my arm feels solid,” Nola said.

As for the cutter, Nola realizes that's his fourth pitch after the fastball, curve and changeup.

“It’s a work in progress,” Nola said. “The more I throw it, the more consistent I’ll get. But it’ll take time.”

Girardi told the 27-year-old Nola earlier Monday that Nola would be the opening-day starter April 1 against the Braves, marking the fourth straight year that’ll happen. The last Phillie to start at least four openers in a row was Steve Carlton (10).

Thought the news wasn't a surprise, it's not anything the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Nola takes for granted.

“That’s pretty cool, man,” Nola said. “Steve Carlton – I never thought I’d be up on the list with him. It’s a big honor, obviously. Looking forward to it.”

The plan is for Nola to make one more spring start Saturday, though he’ll probably throw fewer pitches than Monday, in preparation for the regular season.

Zack Wheeler is scheduled to start the second game vs. Atlanta on April 3 followed by Zach Eflin in the Easter series finale, as long as the back soreness that cost Eflin a start doesn’t affect him between now and then. Veteran free agents Matt Moore and Chase Anderson are the likely No. 4 and 5 starters.

But it all starts with Nola at the top of the rotation. If he’s pitching the way he can – he’s 34-18 with a 3.13 ERA and 379 hits allowed while striking out 549 in 486 innings over the last three seasons, highlighted by an all-star selection in 2018 – the Phillies’ playoff chances would improve and Girardi wouldn't have to call upon the bullpen as often as if Nola struggles.

“I expect to stay healthy for my next outing and keep building on that,” Nola said.

The Phils and their fans would like that even more than the way he threw the ball Monday.

Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly