Phils shuffle rotation so Nola can pitch in ASG

Kapler glad to 'switch things up a little' to enable ace to make most of honor

July 11th, 2018

NEW YORK -- It has been a long time since Phillies fans have been excited about their team at the All-Star break.
It means they might pay closer attention to the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard (Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX) at Nationals Park, especially with the possibility that might pitch. The Phillies made sure he would be available when they set up their rotation, so he will start Saturday against the Marlins in Miami. Zach Eflin will start Sunday in the final game before the break.
"I can certainly put myself in the shoes of a fan and say, 'I can't wait to turn on the game and watch Aaron Nola, our All Star, pitch in that game,'" Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday afternoon at Citi Field. "I think that means something. I think it's a powerful thing."
The Phillies had been kicking around the possibility of having Nola start Sunday, which would have given him an extra day of rest, but it also would have meant he could not pitch Tuesday.
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"There's this balance of doing what's best for Nola long term," Kapler said. "Obviously, there's no right answer for that. And what's best for the Phillies long term, there's no right answer for that. But you're thinking about it. Ultimately, it's what this guy has earned, which is to pitch in the middle of the summer in the All-Star Game. That happens maybe once in a lifetime. Maybe for him it happens 15 times. But it's at least worth noting that it's an honor that you have to respect, and to respect if fully you have to switch things up a little to make sure that happens."
While watching the 2018 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX on Tuesday, fans can submit their choices for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet with the 2018 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote.

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Garcia close to return
Phillies right-hander could rejoin the team following the All-Star break next week.
Garcia has been on the 10-day disabled list since June 13 because of a strained right wrist. He is scheduled to make rehab appearances Friday and Sunday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. If everything goes well, he could be back in the bullpen July 20 against the Padres.
"Everything is right on track with him and he's feeling really strong," Kapler said.