With the Phillies rotation continuing to struggle, MLB.com beat writer Todd Zolecki wrote Monday that "it would not be a surprise" to see starting pitcher prospect Aaron Nola in the majors by the end of July.

Zolecki's comments come after general manager Ruben Amaro said Monday that Nola is getting closer to a promotion to the majors.

"He's close," Amaro said. "He's still working on some things. He struggled through a couple of games. He hasn't necessarily been knocked around, but it hasn't been easy for him. He's still learning some things and dealing with more veteran hitters in Triple-A, which is a good test for him.

"I don't think he's that far away, but when he's ready he'll be here. Just because our rotation is very poor right now, it doesn't mean we're going to bring him to the big leagues for that reason. We're going to bring him when it's time for him developmentally."

Nola, who is considered a top-100 prospect by MLB.com (No. 37) and Baseball America (No. 39), has made four starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley following his promotion from Double-A Reading. The 2014 first-round pick is 3-0 with a 2.28 ERA at Triple-A. He is 14-6 with a 2.31 ERA in 28 outings (27 starts) since turning pro.