Nola set to rehab with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor

Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola has been sidelined since April 24 with a back strain, but he'll make his first step back to the big leagues on Wednesday night. He'll get the nod for Triple-A Lehigh Valley against Rochester at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

RHP Aaron Nola will make a rehab start tomorrow with Lehigh Valley (AAA).

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) May 9, 2017

Nola, 23, hit the disabled list following a start on April 20 against the Mets. He allowed four runs in five innings during the Phils' 6-4 at Citi Field. After going on the DL, Nola was making strides towards a return, but suffered a setback. He went to get an MRI on his back, and luckily the results came back positive. Matt Klentak told reporters prior to Friday's game in Washington that there was nothing concerning that showed up on the MRI.

"It really revealed nothing concerning at all, which is what we hoped," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said before Friday's game at Citizens Bank Park against the Washington Nationals. [Philly.com]

In three starts so far this season, Nola has yet to get in a groove, posting a 4.50 in 16 innings. In his last start, he walked four batters, which is unusual for a guy like Nola who is more of a control pitcher. Depending on the results, Nola could make a second start in Triple-A before returning.

Nick Pivetta has been filling Nola's rotation spot since he's been on the disabled list, going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA.