The Philadelphia Phillies announced they will be utilizing a six-man rotation for at least one turn. This will coincide with Aaron Nola returning from the injured list on August 17. Nola had a 0-1 record with a 2.19 ERA in three minor league rehab starts. He recorded a 1.47 FIP with a 5.67 K/BB rate and a 1.135 WHIP in those outings. In the majors this season Nola has a 1-7 record with a 6.16 ERA in nine starts. Nola has a 5.04 FIP with a 3.25 K/BB rate and a 1.510 WHIP in the majors this year. With José Alvarado set to return from a suspension on August 19, the Phillies have some huge roster decisions to make in the coming days.
This move keeps Taijuan Walker in the rotation for the time being. Walker has been surprisingly good this season for the Phillies. After an awful 2024 season, Walker has made the most of his starting opportunities this year. He has a 4-5 record with a 3.39 ERA in 25 outings, including 14 starts. Furthermore, Walker has a 4.85 FIP along with a 2.38 K/BB rate and a 1.29 WHIP this season. He is doing better than last season in each of those stat categories. Walker’s 1.48 HR/9 allowed rate this season is a notable improvement compared to the 2024 season. This has stabilized the rotation while Nola has been on the injured list.
Phillies Will Move to Six-Man Rotation Temporarily
The Phillies will be going to a six man rotation with Aaron Nola making his first start in three months on Sunday. The Phillies are hoping some extra rest for their starters will help. https://t.co/LFDSiH9ytZ
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 14, 2025
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Getting Some Starters Extra Rest
Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suárez have both struggled in recent outings. Wheeler even had his most recent start pushed back because of shoulder soreness. This could also be why he has seen a velocity decrease in recent outings. Since the All-Star break, Wheeler has a 4.37 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP with a 4.08 FIP in four starts. In the first half of the season, Wheeler had a 2.36 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP with a 2.71 FIP in 19 starts. Meanwhile, Suárez has a 6.59 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP with a 4.02 FIP in five starts since the All-Star break. Compare that to his 2.15 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 3.00 FIP in 13 starts in the first half of the season.
Schedule Considerations
The schedule most certainly factored into the Phillies’ decision to go to a six-man rotation. They are in the midst of a stretch of 13 games in 13 days between August 9 and August 20. After an off day on August 21, the Phillies have a stretch of 11 games in 11 days. The last game of that stretch is on September 1, which is the same day that rosters expand to 28 players. It would not be entirely surprising if the Phillies utilize a six-man rotation until then. At that point, Walker or potentially Jesús Luzardo would move to the bullpen for the remainder of the season. Suárez would be another candidate to be moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen at that point.
Upcoming Roster Decision
When Nola returns, the Phillies will need to make a corresponding 26-man roster move and a 40-man roster move. The 40-man roster move is because Nola is currently on the 60-day injured list as opposed to the 15-day injured list. The Phillies currently have a full 40-man roster, meaning they will need to clear a spot for Nola. An easy way to clear a spot on both is to release Jordan Romano or Joe Ross. Max Lazar being optioned is another alternative for the 26-man roster spot. With Alvarado returning, an additional 40-man roster spot will need to open up. This means there is a decent chance that at least one of Romano or Ross is released by the Phillies in the coming days.
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