Aaron Nola on Pitch Mix, Relationship with J.T. Realmuto, More Phillies Talk

On the latest episode of the Clubhouse Chatter podcast, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including his evolving pitch mix and how All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto has impacted his career.

The 30-year-old right-hander has once again been a force on the mound for the Phillies, starting the season with a 3.04 ERA/3.79 FIP/1.056 WHIP in 11 starts over 71.0 innings.

Nola has been even more impressive on the road, logging a 1.82 ERA in five starts (34.2 innings), including a complete game, four-hit shutout on May 14 at Citi Field against the New York Mets. Those numbers also include allowing just two earned runs and five hits over 6.0 innings in his last road outing on Saturday at Coors Field in Denver.

One of the more impressive statistics surrounding Nola this season has been the effectiveness of his fastball. Despite averaging just 91.6 mph on his four-seamer this year, opponents are hitting just .117 against it.

With that in mind, Nola discusses the importance of control in place of velocity, as well as the evolution of his cutter.

Additionally, he follows up on some comments from former Phillies pitcher Zach Eflin, now with the Tampa Bay Rays, about his curveball in a previous Clubhouse Chatter episode.

Eflin, named as one of the top 10 pitchers in the American League East by Just Baseball before the season began, said on that episode that not only was Nola instrumental in the development of his curveball, but also that Nola has the best curveball thrown by any Major League pitcher.

What did Nola say in response to that? Find out in this episode.

Also, this is the sixth season for Nola to work with Realmuto behind the plate. The duo have become quite the tandem in the City of Brotherly Love, with Realmuto even catching most of Nola’s bullpen sessions.

“It definitely helps,” Nola said of the familiarity with Realmuto. “I know what he does back there and I call the game and know how he sets up in certain situations on certain pitches. Nothing catches me off guard any more.”

What else does Nola say about Realmuto’s impact on his career? Listen below to find out his complete thoughts.

You can hear the discussion with Nola by hitting play below. Also, make sure you’re subscribed to the Clubhouse Chatter podcast on whatever platform you listen to podcasts.