Aaron Nola Ruled Out of Squad Till Further Notice: Phillies Ace Transferred to 60-Day IL with Stress Fracture.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 25, 2025 – In a significant blow to the Philadelphia Phillies’ pitching rotation, ace right-hander Aaron Nola has officially been ruled out of the squad until further notice. The team announced yesterday that Nola has been transferred to the 60-day injured list, a move that clarifies the severity of his recent setback and pushes his potential return well into the second half of the season.
Nola’s journey to the 60-day IL has been a frustrating and convoluted one. He initially landed on the 15-day injured list in mid-May with a sprained right ankle sustained during pre-game agility drills on May 8. While the ankle injury was reportedly progressing, a new, more concerning issue emerged. In early June, as Nola began to ramp up his throwing program, he experienced stiffness in his right side. An MRI subsequently revealed a stress fracture in his right ribcage, a diagnosis that has now cast a long shadow over his 2025 campaign.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson initially described the rib issue as a “stress reaction,” hinting at a less severe ailment. However, Nola himself recently clarified the injury as a stress fracture, indicating a more significant bone issue requiring substantial rest and recovery. This new injury effectively reset his recovery timeline, which had initially aimed for a return before the All-Star break. Now, with the transfer to the 60-day IL, Nola will not be eligible to return until the first game after the All-Star break at the absolute earliest, with a more realistic expectation for his return likely stretching into August. 
This news comes at a particularly challenging time for Nola, who was enduring a difficult start to the 2025 season. Through nine starts, he posted a concerning 1-7 record with a bloated 6.16 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP, a stark contrast to the consistent top-tier performance fans have come to expect from the former Opening Day starter. While his early-season struggles might have stemmed, in part, from underlying physical issues, the extent of his current injury certainly explains some of the puzzling drop-off in his performance.
The impact of Nola’s absence on the Phillies cannot be overstated. He has been a foundational piece of their rotation for over a decade, making six consecutive Opening Day starts from 2018-2023. His durability has been remarkable, with his previous injury-related IL stint dating back to 2017. Losing a pitcher of his caliber for an extended period puts immense pressure on the remaining starters and the bullpen.
The Phillies have already been forced to adjust their rotation in Nola’s absence, and this new timeline will necessitate further shuffling. Young arms like Mick Abel are expected to receive extended opportunities, and there’s speculation about the potential for top prospect Andrew Painter to contribute in the second half of the season, though he’s not expected to be a factor with the big club immediately.
For Nola, this is an unfamiliar and frustrating territory. “It’s all really new to me,” Nola commented recently, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of this extended absence due to injury. He has begun light activities, playing catch in the batting cages and hoping to progress to throwing outside “from a distance” later this week. However, the focus remains squarely on the complete healing of the stress fracture before any serious ramp-up in his throwing program can occur. Nola emphasized the importance of not rushing his recovery, stating, “I’m obviously gonna have to ramp things up. It’s probably gonna take a little bit to get back going again … and get back to 100 percent.”
The Phillies’ front office will undoubtedly be monitoring Nola’s recovery closely, as his prolonged absence could significantly influence their strategy at the upcoming trade deadline. While the team remains hopeful for his return in the second half, the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for a stress fracture of this nature means they may need to explore external options to bolster their rotation if they intend to remain competitive in the National League East.
For now, the Phillies will rely on their depth and the resilience of their pitching staff to navigate this challenging period without their veteran ace. The focus for Aaron Nola will be on a meticulous and patient recovery, ensuring he returns to the mound at full strength, ready to reclaim his position as a dominant force in the Phillies’ rotation. His return, whenever it may be, will be a welcome sight for the team and its faithful fanbase.
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