Fri May 16 23:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Phillies ace Aaron Nola has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right ankle sprain, marking his first physical injury-related IL stint since 2017. The injury, sustained during agility work, has been affecting his performance. In a surprising move, top prospect Mick Abel will be called up to make his MLB debut against Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Abel will make one start before returning to Triple-A, with Taijuan Walker filling Nola’s spot in the rotation in the interim. The Phillies don’t expect Nola’s absence to extend beyond 15 days.

**News Article:**

**Phillies’ Nola Hits IL; Top Prospect Abel to Debut Against Skenes**

**PHILADELPHIA** – The Philadelphia Phillies have placed their veteran ace Aaron Nola on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle sprain, the team announced Friday. The move is Nola’s first IL stint for a physical injury since May 2017.

In a corresponding and surprising move, the Phillies will call up No. 8 prospect Mick Abel to make his major league debut on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates and their pitching phenom Paul Skenes.

“Mick’s earned it,” said Phillies general manager Preston Mattingly.

Nola, who leads baseball in innings pitched since 2017, sustained the injury during agility drills on May 8th but pitched through it in his last two starts. However, the discomfort worsened, culminating in his worst career start on Wednesday against the Cardinals.

“It’s definitely not that comfortable,” Nola said regarding his ankle. “It got a little better from the first start in Cleveland [to St. Louis]. I thought it’d be pretty much better by now, but it’s still lingering. So hopefully it’ll get out pretty quick.”

The Phillies and Nola agreed that placing him on the IL was necessary to prevent further complications from altering his pitching mechanics.

Abel, the Phillies’ first-round pick in the 2020 draft, has impressed this season with a 5-2 record and a 2.53 ERA in Triple-A, showcasing improved command after struggling in 2023. He will make one start before returning to the minors, with Taijuan Walker scheduled to rejoin the rotation next Wednesday in Colorado.

Nola, while disappointed, offered words of encouragement to Abel. “Just enjoy it,” Nola said, recalling his own debut in 2015. “You only get one debut. Try to get as prepared as possible and just try to enjoy everything about it.”

The Phillies anticipate Nola’s return to the rotation after his 15-day IL stint.

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