Nola has shown excellent performance in his recent rehab games and is set to return to the Phillies.

Aaron Nola may have completed the final stage of his rehabilitation today, pitching 5.1 innings for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in Triple-A, allowing 2 runs and striking out 11 batters.

Nola mentioned that he has felt great physically after his prior two rehab games. If he still feels good after today’s match, his next start will be representing the Phillies.

Nola was originally scheduled to pitch on Sunday against the Nationals, but the Phillies might opt to give him an extra day of rest and activate him for the series opener against the Mariners on Tuesday.

Manager Rob Thomson said before today’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, “We’re still discussing this. We’ll wait for him to finish this game, and then talk to him tomorrow to see how he feels.”

If the Phillies decide to delay activating Nola until Tuesday, their starting rotation against the Nationals will be: Jesús Luzardo (Friday), Zack Wheeler (Saturday), Taijuan Walker (Sunday), and Ranger Suárez (Monday). All will receive normal rest.

However, given Suárez's recent struggles, the Phillies might choose to give him an extra day of rest before his next start instead of resting Nola.

Whether Nola returns on Monday or Tuesday, the Phillies could temporarily adopt a six-man rotation. They are in a stretch of 13 games in 13 days, with 39 games scheduled over 41 days from August 8 to September 17.

Switching to a six-man rotation is made possible not only by Nola’s return but also due to Walker’s recent success. This experienced right-hander has a season ERA of 3.39, and during his recent third turn through the rotation, his ERA over six starts was just 2.93.

Thomson mentioned yesterday regarding the possibility of using a six-man rotation after Nola's return, “Honestly, I think it benefits everyone. We’ve been pushing these pitchers hard all season.”