LOS ANGELES -- Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola still thinks he can pitch later this week.
Nola is on the 10-day disabled list with a strained lower back. He threw a bullpen session Friday at Dodger Stadium, but he experienced similar symptoms afterward. He is eligible to be activated Monday at Wrigley Field, but that will not happen. Instead, he said he is scheduled to throw another bullpen session.
"It kind of came back again," Nola said Sunday morning. "It's taken a little longer than I thought it would. 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."
Nola hasn't had an MRI and there isn't one scheduled.
"I think there's a chance," Nola said about pitching later this week. "I just have to keep progressing."
Nick Pivetta is pitching in Nola's place until he rejoins the rotation.
"It kind of feels the same in a way," Nola said. "It's still kind of nagging."