Before the start of the season Mick Abel was added to the Phillies’ 40-man roster but was well behind the starting five pitchers in the rotation and Taijuan Walker. Many would not have had Abel in any conversation for being a candidate for a spot start let alone potentially making multiple starts with the big-league team this season.
However, after Friday’s 6-2 loss to Milwaukee where Walker was tagged for four runs in four innings and Aaron Nola still working his way back from his ankle injury, a window has potentially opened for Abel to be called upon for a second time this season. Nola’s rebound from the ankle injury is taking longer than expected and if he is unable to come back in in time for the next turn through the rotation, the Phillies could opt for the 23-year-old in lieu of another Walker start.
Rob Thomson said during his postgame press conference on Phillies Postgame Live that there has not been a decision made regarding Walker moving to the bullpen after the start which was initially the plan.
“We’re not there yet. We’ve got to sit down and talk about it. I don’t want to flip him back and forth (from starting to relieving). So, we’ve got a lot of things to talk about,” Thomson said.
That decision more than likely became less clear due to what Abel did on Friday night in Norfolk, Virginia. The hard throwing righty looked sharp for the majority of his outing, racking up eight strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings while allowing an unearned run on four hits and walking three. He did run into some trouble in the fifth inning allowing a pair of walks forcing an unearned run to score to go along with a single and an error. He ultimately threw 93 pitches with 59 for strikes with 14 swings and misses.
With his performance, he closes out the month of May with a 4-0 record and impressive 0.96 ERA, which includes his MLB debut back on May 18 when tied a 78-year-old franchise record for most strikeouts in a debut with his nine punchout performance against the Pirates. On the season, the No. 8 prospect in the system has a respectable 2.21 ERA in 10 starts with Lehigh Valley.
Abel, who was told from the onset that it was just the one start he would be making on that memorable May afternoon has not dropped off in either of his two starts since being sent back down.
“He went right back to Triple-A and a lot of times you’ll see that guys who go back, they have an adrenaline dump and they don’t pitch well or stay focused, but he did. That’s a good sign,” Thomson said last week after Abel tossed six innings of one-run ball and racked up eight strikeouts.
What does the future hold for Mick Abel?
There is some uncertainty as of now regarding the rotation for the Blue Jays series next week. Both Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler will pitch, but on which day has not been determined due to pitching the doubleheader on Thursday. The series finale in Toronto would be Walker’s next turn if Nola is unable to return in time. With the bullpen being inconsistent this season, moving Walker to the bullpen to be a multiple inning reliever could help the team more while Abel slides in the rotation until Nola comes back from his injury.
Now, will Abel be as dominant as he was in his debut? There is no telling. However, he is on the best run of his career.
His 10.6% walk rate is tied for the second lowest mark of his career, he is allowing noticeably weaker contact than in years past while he has 67 strikeouts in 57 innings of work. Abel credits his improved fastball command for staying ahead of hitters.
“It has been a lot better than in years past. It’s always something I’ve pitched off of. I think I’ve done a good job this year controlling it a lot better.”
That fastball was on display in his debut with a 39% usage siting at 97.3 m.p.h. His improving ability to limit damage and rebound from a brutal 2024 season shows the adjustments he has made and mental toughness he exudes which has helped him significantly this season.
It has been a remarkable turnaround for Abel this season and in turn making it tough on Thomson and the front office figuring out the best way to proceed. A good problem for Abel to cause and a good problem for the Phillies to find a solution for.
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
