Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola (ankle) said he still felt something in his sprained right ankle after throwing a light bullpen session, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber. Nola is hoping to be able to throw a higher-intensity bullpen session on Thursday and admitted he'll need a minor-league rehab tune-up before he rejoins the Phillies' starting rotation. It's unclear if Nola will need more than one start in the minor leagues, but either way, fantasy managers probably count on having him back for another couple of weeks. When the 31-year-old former first-rounder does return to the big-league rotation, he'll be looking to turn around what has been a dreadful start to his 2025 season. In nine starts before landing on the 15-day injured list, Nola went 1-7 with a 6.16 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 16 walks in 49 2/3 innings pitched.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (foot) was removed from Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning after fouling a pitch off his left foot, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer. Hays was diagnosed with a bruised foot. Before leaving the contest, the 29-year-old went 0-for-2 with a walk, a run scored and a strikeout. It remains to be seen how serious his foot injury is, but Hays has already been on the injured list twice this season. When healthy, though, the former third-rounder by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 out of Jacksonville University has been relevant in all fantasy leagues with a .303/.346/.555 slash line, .901 OPS, six home runs, 25 RBI, 23 runs and two steals in just 31 games played. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if Hays is available for the series opener at Wrigley Field against the division-rival Chicago Cubs.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (elbow) is feeling better, according to manager Rob Thomson, but he's out of the starting lineup for Game 1 of a doubleheader against the division-rival Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday. The swelling in Harper's right elbow has gone down, and he could play in Game 2. However, he's probably not available to pinch hit in Game 1. The 32-year-old two-time MVP was hit on the right elbow by a pitch in Tuesday's series opener, but thankfully, X-rays came back negative. If Harper doesn't play at all on Thursday, he should have a good shot at suiting up in the series opener on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Alec Bohm is starting at first base and batting cleanup in Game 1 on Thursday, with Edmundo Sosa starting at third and hitting seventh against Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver.

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez (4-0) continued his strong start Tuesday night, tossing six shutout innings in a 2-0 win over the Braves. The 29-year-old struck out a season-high eight batters, allowing four hits and three walks in Tuesday's victory. Surez picked up his fourth win of the season and remains undefeated in 2025. He now owns a 2.97 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts over 30 innings. His 9.20 K/9 is a career high, showcasing increased swing-and-miss ability as he solidifies his role in the Phillies' rotation atop the NL East. Suarez will look to keep things rolling in his next start on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (elbow) left Tuesday's game against the Braves immediately after being hit by a pitch in the first inning. It was a 95-mile-per-hour fastball off of his right elbow, thrown by Spencer Strider. There will likely be an update on the severity after the game, but hopefully it is just a bruise. It would be a big blow to the Phillies if Harper does need to miss some time, as the superstar is slashing .267/.375/.450 this season.