Notes: Nola back soon; Girardi on Wheeler

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola should have been pitching against the Red Sox on Sunday at Fenway Park. Instead, he listened to the game in the car.

Nola, right-hander Connor Brogdon and left-hander Bailey Falter were placed on the COVID-19 injured list on Sunday because third baseman Alec Bohm tested positive for the virus on Saturday. Nola, Brogdon and Falter were sidelined because of contact tracing. Unvaccinated players on teams that have not reached the 85 percent threshold of vaccinated Tier 1 individuals, which includes players and coaches, continue to be tested and monitored for contact tracing.

The Phillies dodged a bullet on Sunday. They still won.

Falter rejoined the bullpen on Friday, and Brogdon is expected back Saturday. Nola will start Tuesday against the Yankees in New York. Bohm could return next week, too.

But because the Phillies do not expect to hit the 85 percent mark this season, there is a very real possibility that what happened Sunday in Boston could happen again. And what if it happens in September, when the Phillies are competing for their first postseason berth since 2011?

“Yeah, that’s crossed our minds,” Nola said. “We’ve got to be careful."

No disrespect
Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler faced one batter in the ninth inning on Tuesday in the All-Star Game in Denver. Many wondered why National League manager Dave Roberts used one of the best pitchers in baseball this season for only one batter.

Girardi did not mind. Wheeler leads the Majors with 119 2/3 innings pitched.

“I don't have a problem with him not throwing two innings, I can tell you that,” Girardi said. “I'm happy he got in there. He earned it. You don't ever know when the next time is going to be.”

Extra bases
• The Phillies scratched third baseman Nick Maton from the Game 1 lineup because he cut his right middle finger during batting practice. Ronald Torreyes started in his place.

• Girardi knows right-hander Andrew Painter, whom the Phillies selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2021 Draft. Painter attended Calvary Christian Academy (Fla.) with Girardi’s son Dante.

“They got a great kid that I think has a huge upside,” Girardi said. “He's athletic. I was always amazed how well he fielded his position, how he covered the bases, [and] his times to home. He had the ability to throw four pitches at a young age. It's a kid's arm that's been taken care of. He's been up to 97 and 98 [mph], and he's still a baby.”