Can Aaron Nola Flip Script on Disappointing Season With Incredible Outing Against Braves?

Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola has been lackluster in his walk year. Can he change that narrative with one good start on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves?

Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola has been a polarizing figure for Phillies fans for years. Nola has the capability of producing Cy Young-like seasons, but then disappear in September.

He goes through streaks where he ties or nearly breaks MLB records for strikeouts. Then he will experience a period of play where he can't seem to get out of his own way. 

Still, he has some of the best stuff in the game and has largely produced to the level of an ace. But not during the 2023 MLB season.

This year Nola walked into the season with no contract extension in place. Playing as a pending free agent, Nola had a lot to prove to himself, his team and the league, the latter which many of its executives believe he is the starting pitching prize of the winter. 

Instead of rising to the occasion, Nola compiled a 4.46 ERA but did register a respectable 1.151 WHIP in 193.2 innings pitched. Staying healthy has been Nola's trademark throughout his career. These days that is invaluable.

But his consistency, coupled with his tendency to oscillate between ace and fourth starter performances is infuriating. You just never know what you might get.

But with all that frustration comes a moment of potential redemption for Nola. On Wednesday he will take the mound for the Phillies in Citizens Bank Park in Game Three of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves.

A great start and win puts Philadelphia ahead 2-1 with the chance to finish off the Braves on Thursday.

If he can do that, then Nola's lackluster 2023 regular MLB season may be completely forgiven. 

If he can't. . . well then he once again will be the target of frustration for many fans and it could impact his next contract. 

All eyes will be on the LSU-product on Wednesday evening.