Rob Thomson: Aaron Nola thought Zack Wheeler should be Phillies' Opening Day starter

For six straight years, Aaron Nola has gotten the ball for the Phillies on Opening Day. That’ll change in 2024, and he’s fully on board with that.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson tabbed Zack Wheeler as the starter for the opener against the Braves. Wheeler was Philly’s ace last season, resulting in a deserved contract extension over the offseason.

But Nola has spent his big league career at or near the top of the Phillies’ rotation, and is returning this season after reaching a seven-year deal with the club over the offseason. There is an obvious case for him to get the ball on Opening Day and extend the streak to seven.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson told the 94WIP Morning Show that Nola was fully on board with the decision to go with Wheeler when approached about it.

“It just kinda lined up that way, but I talked to Nols about it because he had started I think six consecutive Opening Days for us, and (I) was wondering if he was OK with that,” Thomson said. “Nola, being the great teammate that he is, he said yeah, I have no problem with that, and he said he thought that Zack should be the Opening Day starter. So, that’s the way we went and we’re looking forward to it.”’

The Phillies will open their season at home against Atlanta with a 3:05 p.m. matinee.