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Phillies give Aaron Nola start on short rest amid playoff push

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 27, 2026, 5:44 AM

Last updated Sep 27, 2026

Phillies give Aaron Nola start on short rest amid playoff push

Summary

The Philadelphia Phillies started Aaron Nola on just two days’ rest against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday night, as interim manager Don Mattingly explained the decision ahead of the game at Citizens Bank Park. Mattingly noted that Nola's pitching routine made him the best option for a team in need of a win after losing three straight games. However, Nola struggled, allowing three runs in the first inning before being pulled after 21 pitches. The Phillies are currently in a tight wild card race, having lost 12 games this season by shutout, and they sit with a narrow lead over Arizona in the standings.

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By the Numbers

•Nola was charged with three runs in the first inning.
•Philadelphia's offense has struggled, scoring twice in the last 27 innings.
•The team has lost three straight games leading into this matchup.
•Trea Turner moved back to leadoff for the first time in nearly two months.
•Jesus Luzardo is eligible for reinstatement on Sunday.

Latest Updates

5:44 AMYahoo Sports — Phillies news: Don Mattingly breaks down decision to start Aaron Nola on 2 days rest

What they're saying

"
Don Mattingly had a clear rationale for handing Aaron Nola the ball on two days’ rest Saturday night . Speaking with Ken Rosenthal before the Phillies faced the Rays at Citizens Bank Park, the interim manager explained the thinking behind an unusual call for a team desperate to clinch. “Felt like the best option tonight,” Mattingly said mid-game . […] The post Phillies news: Don Mattingly breaks down decision to start Aaron Nola on 2 days rest appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks Philadelphia Phillies Tampa Bay Rays MLB Baseball