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As of this writing, the game hadn’t even been re-started. Which is a shame because the Phillies really needed Aaron Nola to come up big last night and give them a long, quality start. He’d thrown 51 pitches by the time the delay started, so he was well within his normal limit.
Nola, of course, has not been all that great this year. He’s had flashes of the Nola of old, but for the most part, he’s been incredibly inconsistent, a far cry from what we had come to know and love about him. But last night, against a loaded Dodgers lineup, Nola was looking great before the rain came. The only good news is that at least he had completed four full innings as opposed to the delay coming in the middle of an inning he was pitching.
If Nola can somehow replicate tonight’s start throughout the rest of the season, what a boost that would provide. Zack Wheeler has been amazing and Kyle Gibson, so far, looks like a solid pickup at the deadline, but Nola is the key. He has to give this team a solid third option in the rotation. It’s not much to ask; he’s done it for years already. They just need the Nola of old to return.
On to the links.
Phillies news:
- Rhys Hoskins ended up having to be put in the IL with his groin issue. He can come off on August 17.
- The Phillies made an outstanding gesture last night in support of Daniel Brito.
- Freddy Galvis is ready to win with this Phillies team ($). Get him on the field soon!
MLB news:
- The Dodgers were down a man last night as Mookie Betts had to be scratched from the lineup. Looks like he’ll be headed to the IL as well.
- Every October contender needs to do something to make sure they make it to the playoffs. Here is what they need to do.
- Cool story about how Max Muncy has become a superstar since joining the Dodgers.
- Here are some pictures of the setting for Thursday’s game in Iowa.