Phillies’ $172 million investment hasn’t been the co-ace the Phillies expected and he’d certainly be the first to admit it. However, on Monday, he turned in one of his best starts, recording his second scoreless outing of the season. He’s the same guy who was tagged for six earned runs by the Brewers last week. Out of which five runs came in the first inning.

He has struggled monstrously in the first inning all this time, holding an ugly 9.69 ERA in the first inning. While his latest start impressed, it’s been the exception in an otherwise terrible year. And that being said, he was even featured in a list no player wants to be on.

Bleacher Report has released its list of Every MLB Team’s Worst Bang-For-Your-Buck Player in 2025 and surprisingly, Aaron Nola’s name appeared under the Philadelphia Phillies. For someone who’s been all along considered one of the most dependable arms across the league, it was a bit unsettling.

For about half a year, he was on the sidelines with an ankle injury and a rib stress fracture. That’s partly why his numbers have dropped to a 6.47 ERA in 64 innings across 12 starts. Yet, with Zack Wheeler out, the Phillies will require Nola and the entire rotation to step up moving forward.

Contradictory to his unsatisfying season, Monday night was different. After the Phillies placed Trea Turner and Alec Bohm on the injured list, it allowed Nola to contribute to the Phillies’ (84-60) 1-0 win over the Mets (76-68).

He did not allow a single run across six innings. He struck out Juan Soto on a 1-2 cutter and after getting Pete Alonso to fly out, Nola struck out Brandon Nimmo with a 92.5 mph sinker.

It was the fastest sinker he threw in that game. After the game, he admitted, “I’ve faced them a lot. Just to get those guys out, especially to get Soto, was big.” After struggling all season, Nola received a standing ovation from a sellout crowd at Citizens Bank Park.

Can the Phillies trust Nola’s comeback to bring consistency on the mound?

Recently, manager Rob Thomson said the club isn’t considering using an opener before Aaron Nola. Reason?

Apparently, Thomson believes Nola always comes back to his form during the postseason, when it matters the most.

“I always have confidence in him because he’s always prepared and he competes, and the bright lights don’t affect him,” Thomson explained. Well, that has been true in the past.

However, Nola has struggled more compared to last season. This is his second year under a $172 million, seven-year contract. Sure, there have been lapses because of injury; however, his lower velocity, first-inning struggles and ERA have been shaky even after returning from injury.

Thomson believes some postseason pressure will be helpful for Nola to find his best form. However, it’s easier said than done, especially given the high expectations that tag along with October. For now, Nola will focus on staying healthy and consistent and refining his pitches, attacking hitters. He needs to make better and faster decisions on the mound.