Nola — and the rest of the Philadelphia Phillies — felt it would turn around eventually. It sure looked as if he was on the right track Sunday night, when he pitched seven crisp innings to help Philadelphia to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Aaron Nola has seen his share of ups and downs in a Phillies uniform, but early in 2025, one issue has refused to go away. After a sluggish start to the season, concerns are mounting about the 31-year-old’s declining velocity and shaky command,

The 29th pitch Aaron Nola threw in the first inning Wednesday night was not competitive, a 91 mph sinker that Wilmer Flores took without hesitation to secure a bases-loaded walk. Nola didn’t show outward disappointment.