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Aaron Nola could be this year's bounce-back pitching star

Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola had a 4.78 ERA and an elbow injury that limited him to 20 starts last season, but even with that ugly earned run average, he will be one of the most interesting pitchers to watch in 2017.

Nola went two innings in his first spring start March 2. It was his first time on a major league mound since July 28, and he reported no pain other than normal post-start stiffness.

"Everything was A-OK, like normal," Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure said.

Getting Nola back to normal, both in terms of health and ERA, is a high priority for the Phillies this season.