Phillies' Nola laments command issues amid 'worst start' of career
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola is frustrated by one of the worst stretches of his 11-year career.
The righty allowed seven runs over 5 1/3 innings pitched in Wednesday night's loss to the San Francisco Giants. He issued four walks, including one with the bases loaded for the second consecutive start.
"It drives me crazy," Nola said of the bases-loaded walk, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. “I mean, it's unacceptable. Three times in my career I've done that, and two times in the past two games.
"I've just got to get ahead better. Too many free passes, and usually those runners have been scoring. I'm just making it harder on myself in those situations. Eight walks in two games overall. That's not good. I'll clean it up."
Nola owns an 0-4 record with a 6.65 ERA and 1.66 WHIP through four starts, having allowed a National League-high 16 earned runs. His walk rate has increased from 6.1% last year to 9% in 2025.
The 31-year-old received downballot Cy Young votes in 2024 after working to a 3.57 ERA (115 ERA+) in 33 starts.
"My body feels good," Nola said. "Definitely the worst start I've ever had by far. All I can do is keep working and keep trying to have good weeks and prepare as best as I can for the next game I pitch. Take all my work into that game and just compete."
The one-time All-Star holds a career 3.74 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with a 9.9 K/9 through 1643 innings pitched.
He's in the second season of a seven-year, $172-million contract.