Aaron Nola to Test ‘nagging' Back Injury With a Bullpen Session on Monday

LOS ANGELES -- Aaron Nola won't come off the disabled list when eligible on Monday (see story), but he will try to throw a bullpen session in Wrigley Field.

Nola's lower back flared after a bullpen session Friday, eliminating any chance he had of coming off the DL Monday.

"It came back again," Nola said. "It's taking a little longer than I thought it would, still kind of nagging. I really didn't think it was a big issue. I don't think it's too much. It just kind of lasted a long time. Every day, it feels a little better. I just have to stay on the right path and keep doing what the trainers have me doing."

Nola was diagnosed with a lower back strain after his last start, April 20 against the Mets. Nick Pivetta filled Nola's spot in the rotation in Sunday's loss (see Instant Replay).

Nola said there were no plans to have an MRI. Monday's bullpen session and bounce back should offer a clearer read on the pitcher's condition.

Nola believes there's a chance he could be ready to return when his spot in the rotation comes up again on Friday, but that seems like a major reach.

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"I think there's a chance," he said. "I just have to keep progressing."

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