Baseball's superstitions may not be the only thing affecting performance, as illustrated by Aaron Nola's fluctuating success on the mound. The Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher has struggled in the early part of the 2025 season, posting a 6.43 ERA through five starts. This follows a pattern he's established over the years, alternating between strong seasons and disappointing ones. However, as Nola explains, the issue may stem from a lack of command rather than a simple superstition.

With a career walk rate of 6.4%, Nola's current 8.7% walk rate indicates he’s losing control of the game. His first-pitch strike rate has dropped significantly this season, leading to more aggressive hitters and fewer options when pitching. Despite struggling early, there are signs of hope; Nola’s sinker pitch is generating more groundballs, and improvements may come as he ramps up his velocity through the season.