Steve Carlton had been the only pitcher in Philadelphia Phillies history to record at least 2,000 strikeouts during his time with the franchise. Carlton got some company on Saturday.

Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola struck out catcher Brandon Valenzuela on a 2-2 sinker with one out in the top of the second inning. Valenzuela became Nola's 2000th strikeout victim, making him the second player in Phillies history, and the eighth active pitcher, to reach that milestone.

Nola still has a long way to go before reaching Carlton. The Hall of Famer recorded 3,031 strikeouts in a Phillies uniform. However, as Nola is signed through 2030, he could make a push toward that threshold.

2,000th strikeout bright spot in rough season for Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola

Nola has struggled through injuries and ineffectiveness since the start of the 2025 season. Those struggles continued this season as Nola entered Saturday with a 5.55 ERA and a 1.442 WHIP over his 120 innings, striking out 121 batters with 48 walks. 

There has been some reason to hope that Nola is getting back on track. He has been a serviceable starter since the beginning of July, posting a 4.37 ERA and a 1.314 WHIP over 35 innings spanning six starts, striking out 34 batters with 12 walks.

It is possible that Nola could move up the active list this season. Yu Darvish is currently sixth on the list with 2,075 career strikeouts. As he will miss the entire 2026 season, and may not return following elbow surgery, Nola could surpass Darvish with a strong finish to the season. 

Nola will likely have company in the 2,000-strikeout club. Pitchers Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler will likely reach that milestone this season as well.