Top pitching prospect Nola promoted to Triple-A

Aaron Nola, image- Jay Floyd

Following Sunday's loss in extra inning to the Pirates, the Phillies announced that top pitching prospect Aaron Nola has been promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Thus far this season with Double-A Reading, the right-hander posted a 7-3 record with a 1.88 ERA while striking out 59 batters and walking nine in 76 2/3 innings.

Just over a year ago, the 22-year-old was the Phillies' first round draft choice (7th overall) out of LSU where he tallied an 11-1 record along with a 1.47 ERA and a 10.37 K/9 mark in 16 starts in his junior season.

After signing his first pro deal, Nola made his professional debut as a member of the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers on June 23rd, taking a loss by allowing four earned runs in 2 1/3 innings. Over his following five starts, Nola let up seven earned runs in 24 innings (2.63 ERA) and earned a promotion to Double-A.

As a member of Reading's rotation late last season, Nola would post a 2-0 record and a 2.63 ERA in five games.

Nola entered the 2015 season ranked as the Phillies' number 2 prospect by Phillies Nation.  He is expected to make his IronPigs debut on Thursday in Allentown, when the team hosts Buffalo.

Check out the media player below for a PN video feature on Nola.