PHOENIX, Ariz. (WCJB) – The Arizona Diamondbacks selected the contract of former Florida Gators left-handed pitcher Philip Abner from Triple-A Reno on Thursday.
Abner, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB draft by the Diamondbacks after two seasons with the Gators.
In 2023, Abner was used as a high-leverage reliever by Florida. In that season, he posted a 3.16 ERA (earned run average) with 51 strikeouts and had a 3-0 record in 31.1 innings pitched.
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In 2025, Abner soared through the minor leagues, working his way from High-A to Triple-A before getting called up to the majors. In his minor league career, he’s appeared in 83 games, pitching 99.1 innings, with 114 strikeouts and a 2.81 ERA, leading him to a 7-2 record.
The 23-year-old is set to make his MLB debut once called upon from the bullpen.
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Arizona currently has a 77-76 record, third in the National League West, five games back from the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and one-and-a-half games back from a wildcard spot. The D-Backs missed the playoffs last year after losing in the World Series in 2023.
Arizona optioned left-handed pitcher Kyle Backhus, in a corresponding move to clear a roster spot for Abner.
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