Latest news with #RobThomson
CBS News
a day ago
- Sport
- CBS News
The return of Aaron Nola? Phillies manager Rob Thomson reveals Nola will be throwing a bullpen session
The return of Aaron Nola is starting to ramp up. With the second half of the season underway, Phillies manager Rob Thomson revealed Nola will be throwing a bullpen session on Saturday. The plan is for Nola to throw two innings or 35 pitches. If all goes well, Nola will throw another bullpen session on Tuesday. Nola hasn't faced hitters since he went on the injured list May 16. He first had a right ankle sprain followed by a stress fracture in his right rib cage that slowed his timetable to return. The Phillies aren't expecting Nola back until mid-August at the earliest, as the veteran starter spent the last week-and-a-half at the team's spring training complex in Florida continuing his rehab assignment. "I think it's a little easier sometimes to go to the complex because there's more people there and there's more room," Thomson said on how Nola fared in Clearwater. "You're not on any type of time restraint. I think it just gives you the freedom to do more things and there's an abundance of hitters who you can throw to. "I think he made a lot of progress when he was down there." The Phillies gave Mick Abel six starts in Nola's spot before sending him down to the minors a week before the All-Star Break. Abel actually came up on June 1 in Nola's spot after Taijuan Walker filled in that fifth starter spot for a few starts. Abel was sent down on July 4 and Walker took the No. 5 starting spot. Walker is set to pitch Saturday in the second game out of the break. It might not be just one go-around either. "He's got the run here," Thomson said. The Phillies have been consistent with the July-ish timetable for top prospect Andrew Painter since last October, but his highly anticipated debut may be put on pause. Painter last started a game on Sunday and isn't scheduled to pitch until next Thursday, giving him an 11-day rest in between starts — as the Phillies planned around the All-Star Break. "The stuff's good. The command isn't quite where it normally is for him," Thompson said. "You know, we'll just go start by start." There are certain prerequisites for Painter to get called up to the big leagues. The Phillies have been consistent in their approach in not bringing Painter up based on merit. He'll have to earn his way into the rotation. Painter has started 16 games between Low-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, throwing 67.0 innings with 71 strikeouts to 21 walks and a 4.84 ERA. In Lehigh Valley, Painter has made 12 starts in 55.2 innings, striking out 59 and walking 20. He's given up 11 home runs as opposing hitters have a .273 average against him. Painter has a 4.97 ERA. "I've always said the whole time. He's gotta be healthy, and the thing is there's gotta be a spot there. So you know, I think he's gonna get to the point where he's Andrew Painter. I don't think he's quite there yet." The Phillies are excited to get Painter in the major leagues, but aren't going to rush him. Once the command comes through, that timetable for Painter should be accelerated.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ATO issues urgent tax return warning as Aussies risk losing over $1,500: ‘One step ahead'
Millions of Australians are preparing to lodge their tax returns and scammers are actively trying to exploit the situation. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reported a sharp rise in impersonation scams, with the vast majority sent via email. Scammers are contacting Aussies claiming to be from the ATO to try to steal their personal information. If successful, scammers can use stolen details to commit fraud by lodging fake tax returns, and commit broader identity theft and financial crimes. The ATO said it had seen a 150 per cent increase in impersonation scams over the last 12 months, with 90 per cent sent over email. RELATED ATO $4,400 tax deduction update sparks warning for millions of Aussie workers Aussie tradie loses $110,000 house deposit due to small detail $105,000 superannuation warning over growing 'mini-retirement' trend 'This is the time of year when people are awaiting their tax returns or expecting to hear from the ATO, and scammers know it,' ATO assistant commissioner Rob Thomson said. The tax office said it had strengthened the ATO app's security features, with Aussies now able to monitor their accounts in real-time through alerts when changes are made to their ATO record and instant account locking. 'Downloading the ATO app is a simple and effective way to stay one step ahead,' Thomson said. 'If you receive a notification and something doesn't feel right, lock your account immediately in our app, and verify and report the interaction on the ATO website or by calling 1800 467 033 during business hours to discuss any suspicious activity.' CPA Australia said it had seen scam emails with titles like 'urgent new notification in your account inbox' that directed people to log into their myGov account and claimed to provide a secure link. Others try to trick individuals to click links to see 'official government correspondence', an 'update regarding your benefits', 'a new refund notification', or say you need to click to 'avoid being penalised'. Phishing scams cost Aussies $13.7 million this year Data from the National Anti-Scam Centre shows there has been a significant increase in scam losses in the first four months of the year. The biggest increase was from phishing scams, which involve scammers impersonating entities like government agencies or financial institutions. This accounted for $13.7 million in financial losses, compared to $4.6 million in early 2024. Norton research found a third of Aussies had already been targeted by a scam this year, including fake invoice scams and phishing. It found 21 per cent of those targeted fell victim, with 62 per cent of those suffering financial loss averaging $1,537. ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said unsolicited contact claiming to be from the ATO was likely to be a scam. 'Scammers may also use spoofed phone numbers, fake caller IDs, and convincing email templates to appear legitimate,' she said. 'Don't let scammers pressure you. We urge all Australians to 'stop, check and protect' before reacting to an unexpected call or message and keep front of mind that the ATO and myGov do not use links in their messages.' Along with using the ATO app, the tax office recommends using digital ID like myID to securely access online services, turning on multi-factor authentication wherever possible, using strong and unique passwords or passphrases, and keeping your devices and software updated. The ATO has reminded Aussies that it will never send you a link asking for your personal information or for you to log into online services.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Topper appreciates Zack Wheeler putting Phillies first, skipping All-Star Game
Phillies manager Rob Thomson talked about Zack Wheeler's decision to opt out of the MLB All-Star Game. Topper appreciates Zack Wheeler putting Phillies first, skipping All-Star Game originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies' Rob Thomson Makes Concerning Max Kepler Comments Amid Struggling Play
Phillies' Rob Thomson Makes Concerning Max Kepler Comments Amid Struggling Play originally appeared on Athlon Sports. At the end of the day, Major League Baseball is a business, and managers have to ensure their teams have the best opportunity to win every day. Advertisement For the Philadelphia Phillies, this has led to Rob Thomson making some interesting decisions, and he recently had to make another one over the weekend. During their Saturday game against the San Diego Padres, Thomson pinch-hit for Max Kepler. Kepler, who has been outspoken about him being a starter in Philadelphia, noting that the team guaranteed him that when they signed him, likely wasn't too happy about this. However, when speaking to reporters about the situation, Thomson admitted that they talked, and while he might not have been happy, he was fine with being pinch-hit for. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17) watches his home run leave the park in the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesJim Rassol-Imagn Images 'We talked yesterday,' Thomson said, per Phillies Nation. 'He was fine with being pinch hit for last night. I'm sure he's not overly happy, but he was professional about it.' Advertisement Now, given how poorly Kepler has played throughout the season, it's only fair to question if the Phillies will look to move on from him at the deadline. A team around the league likely won't want to take him, but they may designate him for assignment, considering he's on a one-year, $10 million contract. When Thomson was asked about the future of Kepler, he noted that things aren't done yet, and he still has time to figure stuff out. While he's likely saying that he will not cause any issues in the clubhouse, it's also concerning that he might be in the Phillies' plans moving forward. 'It's not over yet,' Thomson said about Kepler. 'We've got a long ways to go. Things can change.' Related: Phillies Get Mets Update on All-Star Outfield Target This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies Reportedly Scouting Twins Relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax
Phillies Reportedly Scouting Twins Relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There's no bigger need for the Philadelphia Phillies at the MLB trade deadline than a reliever. Jordan Romano has struggled, Jose Alvarado has been suspended and the rest of the bullpen has been shaky. Advertisement The Phillies are looking especially closely at the American League Central to address the need. They've been linked to Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, and more recently, the Phillies are reportedly scouting a pair of Minnesota Twins relievers. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies are targeting Minnesota's Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran, and hope to land one or both of those relievers at the trade deadline. "The Philadelphia Phillies have been extensively scouting Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax," Nightengale writes, "hoping to acquire at least one of them." Either would be a nice pickup, with both relievers under team control through the 2027 season. Of the two, Duran is the most intriguing. Advertisement Duran (27) is younger than Jax (30) and has been having a better season than his teammate. Through 43 appearances, Duran has a 1.49 ERA, a 5-3 record and 15 saves. Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob ThomsonCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images Across Duran's 42.1 innings pitched, he has 47 strikeouts, 16 walks and a 1.087 WHIP, and he has yet to give up a home run. Duran also has a career-high 284 ERA+ this season, yet he isn't an All-Star. He's easily one of the top options for the Phillies at the deadline, but if he proves too expensive or challenging to land, Jax could be a nice fallback option. In 2024, Jax was one of the best relievers in the game. He had a 2.03 ERA in 71 innings pitched with 95 strikeouts and 15 walks. Advertisement This season has been a bit different. Through his 40.1 innings pitched, Jax has a 4.02 ERA, 65 strikeouts and 10 walks. Last season, he had an ERA+ of 207, but in 2025, his ERA+ is at 105, barely above league average. His struggles would seemingly make him more available than Duran, but if the Phillies could get him back to 2024 form, they'd have a strong reliever in their bullpen. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
