Mick Abel's Stellar MLB Debut Leads to Quick Return to Triple-A

May 19 2025

The Philadelphia Phillies made a surprising move on Monday, sending Mick Abel back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley just a day after his unforgettable major league debut. The 23-year-old right-hander was recalled to fill in for the injured Aaron Nola, and he certainly made a statement. Along with this roster shuffle, the Phillies also brought up right-handed reliever Max Lazar, following the suspension of José Alvarado.

Abel's call-up came on Sunday morning, and he was tasked with starting against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Talk about pressure! But the Phillies' 2020 first-round pick rose to the occasion, leading the team to a nail-biting 1-0 victory at Citizens Bank Park. He went six innings without allowing a single run, giving up just five hits and striking out an impressive nine batters on 84 pitches, with 62 of those being strikes. His nine strikeouts tie him with Curt Simmons for the most by a Phillies pitcher in their debut since 1901. Simmons last achieved this feat nearly 80 years ago against the New York Giants on September 28, 1947.

“If he keeps throwing the ball like that, I guarantee he’s going to be back,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson, clearly impressed by Abel's performance.

The decision to give Abel a spot start came after the Phillies placed Aaron Nola on the 15-day injured list due to a sprained ankle. They shifted Taijuan Walker back into the rotation, and Cristopher Sanchez, who was initially slated to start, was pushed to Monday, allowing Abel to take his regular turn.

Abel's journey back to the big leagues has been quite the rollercoaster. After struggling last season at Triple-A, where he walked 78 batters in 108 2/3 innings and posted a 6.46 ERA, he has made a remarkable comeback this season. In eight starts with the IronPigs, he boasts a 5-2 record with a 2.53 ERA, racking up 51 strikeouts against just 19 walks over 46 1/3 innings.

Reflecting on his journey, Abel shared, “It took a lot of reflection, it took a lot of understanding who I am as a person and as a man. I think the biggest thing is redefining what my version of success is, and how I can go out there and try to get 1% better every day.”

As for the bullpen, Lazar is stepping in to fill the gap left by Alvarado, who received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. This suspension means Alvarado will not be eligible for the postseason, putting more pressure on the remaining relievers.

Lazar, 25, has been solid for the IronPigs this season, posting a 3.12 ERA in 15 relief appearances, with 20 strikeouts and a 0.92 WHIP. He made his MLB debut last season, where he struck out nine batters but also allowed seven runs in 13 2/3 innings.

With Alvarado out, the Phillies will be relying heavily on Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering in high-pressure situations. Lazar will join a mix of middle relievers, including Tanner Banks, Joe Ross, José Ruiz, and Carlos Hernandez, as the team navigates this challenging period.

It’s a tough break for Abel, but his debut performance has certainly set the stage for a promising future. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how he continues to develop and when he might make his return to the big leagues.

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