CLEARWATER, Fla. — Yes, Aaron Nola was sick earlier this week.
No, he did not have coronavirus.
In fact, Nola said, he was never tested for it because he never had a fever.
“It was a stomach bug, not the flu,” the Phillies pitcher said.
Nola, who had been scratched from his start Monday, returned to the Phillies’ clubhouse Thursday morning and threw a bullpen session. He could pitch in a simulated game or a minor-league game in the next day or so. He believes he has plenty of time to be ready to start the season opener two weeks from today …
… if the season opens on that day.
And that’s a big if.
MLB
Phillies team buses rolled for Port Charlotte and a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday morning. That game was on course to start at 1:05 p.m., but it was not clear if games would be played on Friday due to concerns about coronavirus. With other professional leagues and college conferences suspending their seasons and tournaments, it was difficult to imagine Major League Baseball not following suit in the coming hours. Stay tuned on that one.
While the news was good on Nola, it was not good on reliever Seranthony Dominguez, who on Sunday suffered a setback in his recovery from an elbow injury.
“I'm really worried,” Dominguez said. “Because it's my career. It's my life.”
Dominguez said he felt discomfort on the last pitch he threw Sunday. He has undergone several tests already and was slated to have an MRI today.
Dominguez initially hurt the ulna collateral ligament in his right elbow last June. He dodged surgery but missed the final four months of the season. Will he be able to dodge surgery again? More will be known about his condition on Friday.
Play ball.
For now.
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