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By Aaron Coloma
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MLB Network host Brian Kenny disagreed with Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson's decision to remove starting pitcher Aaron Nola from Game 3 of the NLDS after just two innings.
More news: Dodgers Star Defends Phillies’ Rob Thomson Over Controversial Decision
Through those two innings, Nola allowed two baserunners and struck out three batters on just 31 pitches. He had lasted five or more innings in every start since Aug. 23 heading into Game 3, and pitched eight one-run innings against the Minnesota Twins in his last start of the season.
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Nola has proven himself as an elite pitcher in the past; however, he hasn't quite lived up to his name in 2025. An ankle injury limited the veteran to just 17 starts, where he posted a 6.01 ERA.
"I didn't like this," said Kenny. "...If he's rolling, under 100 pitches, I wanted him to pitch."
Ranger Suárez replaced Nola in the third inning, and immediately allowed a home run to Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman. After that, however, he threw five innings of lights out baseball, giving the Phillies a lifeline in the series.
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While it is surprising it happened so early given Nola's performance through those two innings, bringing Suarez in was always part of the plan for Thomson. He announced Suarez's involvement following Nola's start after the Phillies' narrow loss in Game 2.
"It'll be Aaron Nola [to start Game 3]," said Thomson. "With Ranger behind him. Nola's never pitched out of the 'pen. How long he goes, I don't know. And I trust him."
More news: Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Sends Clayton Kershaw Message After Game 3 Struggles
The Phillies gave themselves a shot with their win Wednesday, but continue their uphill battle Thursday afternoon, when they face Tyler Glasnow on the mound for Game 4. Glasnow made a relief appearance for the Dodgers in the opening game of the NLDS, and threw 1.2 scoreless innings in Philadelphia. He wasn't without error, though, as he had to exit the game in the bottom of the eighth after loading the bases with two outs.
Cristopher Sanchez will start Thursday's game for the Phillies, and will look to put out another solid performance against the Dodgers. Sanchez lasted 5.2 innings in his start in Game 1, logging eight strikeouts before his exit.
The Phillies will look to fight off elimination in Game 4, which begins Thursday at 3:08 p.m. PT/6:08 p.m. ET.
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