Nola to start Saturday to line up for All-Star appearance
NEW YORK (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies have adjusted their rotation for this weekend's series against the Miami Marlins to allow ace Aaron Nola to pitch in the All-Star Game.
Nola will move up one day and will draw the start Saturday, while Zach Eflin will pitch on Sunday.
''Ultimately what this guy has earned is the right to pitch in the middle of the summer in the All-Star Game,'' manager Gabe Kapler said. ''That happens maybe once in a lifetime, maybe it happens for him 15 times, but it's at least worth noting that it's an honor you have to respect and to respect it fully, you have to consider that you may switch things up a little bit.''
The 25-year old right-hander is the youngest Philadelphia pitcher selected to an All-Star Game since then-23 year old Cole Hamels received the honor in 2007. Nola is the first Phillies pitcher to receive an All-Star selection in five years.
Nola has posted a sterling 2.27 ERA with 126 strikeouts over 19 starts and leads the National League with 12 wins. He threw seven shutout innings against Miami on May 2 and has won each of his last four starts.
