Aaron Nola faced challenges during the initial months of the 2023 season, heightening the pressure as the postseason loomed closer. A turning point came when Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham suggested a simple adjustment to Nola’s approach.
Instead of focusing on the pitch timer positioned on the right side of home plate, especially when pitching from the stretch, Cotham advised Nola to shift his attention to the timer on the left.
This minor tweak yielded significant results, evident in Nola’s impressive 2.27 ERA across his final six starts, including postseason play, compared to his earlier 4.62 ERA in the first 30 starts.
Nola attributed his improved performance to this adjustment, acknowledging the influence of where his eyes lead him. This change in focus was pivotal, as reflected in his recent flawless outing against the Yankees in a Grapefruit League game, where he pitched two perfect innings and struck out three batters.
Although it’s premature to draw firm conclusions from a single spring game, Nola’s historically lackluster Spring Training performances contrasted with his sharp display, fueling optimism among many that he is poised for a resurgence in the upcoming 2024 season.
Cotham commended Nola’s heightened awareness of his mechanics and adaptability to baseball’s evolving regulations, indicating a deeper understanding of the game’s nuances.
Cotham elaborated on Nola’s mechanical adjustments, highlighting the significance of his newfound focus on the left-side pitch timer, which facilitated better alignment and improved pitch accuracy, particularly towards his glove side.
This adjustment not only enhanced Nola’s delivery but also enabled him to manage game situations more effectively, notably with the incorporation of a slide step to control the pace and limit baserunner advancement.
Nola acknowledged his struggles in adapting to the introduction of the pitch timer during the previous season, conceding that he had been overly preoccupied with its constraints, especially with runners on base.
However, he expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges, emphasizing a renewed emphasis on focusing primarily on the hitter and his own delivery, rather than being distracted by external factors such as the pitch clock.
The introduction of the slide step, coinciding with Nola’s adjustment to the pitch timer, proved instrumental in curtailing baserunner advancements, underscoring the importance of precision in timing and delivery within the game’s context.
Reflecting on Cotham’s coaching philosophy, Nola recognized the simplicity yet effectiveness of focusing on one’s target, a principle that Cotham seamlessly applied to his pitching mechanics.
Nola’s acknowledgment of Cotham’s astute guidance underscores the coach’s role in Nola’s resurgence and highlights the value of keen observation and targeted adjustments in enhancing performance on the field.
