Phillies Option Struggling Rookie Mick Abel to Triple-A After Rocky Stretch
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies made a pitching adjustment Friday, sending rookie right-hander Mick Abel back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following a string of inconsistent performances. The move comes as the team recalled reliever Seth Johnson to bolster their bullpen ahead of their weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Abel’s Rollercoaster Start to MLB Career
The 23-year-old Abel, a first-round pick in the 2020 draft, showed flashes of brilliance early, tying a Phillies franchise record with nine strikeouts in his MLB debut against Pittsburgh in May. However, his recent outings have been far less dominant. Over six starts, he posted a 5.04 ERA with 21 strikeouts and nine walks, failing to pitch beyond the fifth inning in his last four appearances. His most recent start was particularly rough, as he allowed five runs in just 1 2/3 innings against the San Diego Padres.
A Needed Reset
Phillies manager Rob Thomson emphasized that the demotion is about giving Abel a chance to regain his confidence and command.
“Mick needed to go down and breathe a little bit,” Thomson said. “Just get a little reset. It’s not uncommon. This guy’s had a really good year. His poise, his composure is outstanding. He’s really grown. We just need to get back to that—attacking the zone and handling adversity.”
Before his call-up, Abel had been strong in Triple-A this season, going 5-2 with a 2.53 ERA in eight starts while cutting down on walks—a major issue in 2023 when he walked 78 batters in 108 2/3 innings.
Rotation Adjustments Ahead
With Abel sent down, the Phillies will turn to Taijuan Walker to fill his rotation spot against the San Francisco Giants. Walker, who has shuffled between starting and relief roles this season, holds a 3.64 ERA in eight starts and 11 bullpen appearances.
Thomson noted that the team hasn’t finalized its post-All-Star break rotation plans, leaving the door open for top prospect Andrew Painter, who is scheduled for two more Triple-A starts before the break. Painter, one of baseball’s most highly touted young arms, could seize a rotation spot if he continues to impress.
What’s Next for Abel?
The Phillies remain high on Abel’s long-term potential, but his immediate focus will be on refining his command and stamina in the minors. If he can regain his early-season form, a second-half return to Philadelphia’s rotation isn’t out of the question.
For now, the Phillies will rely on veteran depth and emerging talent as they navigate a competitive NL playoff race. Abel’s development remains a key part of their future—but for the moment, the big-league club needs more consistency.
Up Next: The Phillies continue their series against the Reds, with Walker expected to take the mound Sunday in Abel’s place.