Phillies Predicted to Cut Ties or Change Mick Abel’s Role After Latest Outing originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies seem to have something with young right-hander Mick Abel. Abel has been excellent over his first few big league starts, but ran into his first tough outing of his career against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.
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The right-hander allowed six hits and three earned runs in four innings, not giving the Phillies much of a chance for the first time in his first three starts.
While it was somewhat concerning, as this was the best offense he’s faced in Major League Baseball, it’s still far too early to press the panic button or suggest that the Phillies need to move on from them yet.
Abel has been excellent and should continue to get an opportunity to throw up for Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Mick Abel (40) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Despite that, Newsweek doesn’t expect that to be the case. They predicted that Andrew Painter could eventually be called up to replace him, and with Aaron Nola returning eventually, Abel might have to be moved to the bullpen or sent back down to the minors.
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“After an unfortunate injury setback, the Phillies could be without Nola until after the All-Star break. But that might not change the reality for Abel, who could be supplanted from the rotation by top-ranked prospect Andrew Painter at some point this season,” they wrote.
At the very least, the Phillies need to allow Abel to pitch in Major League Baseball, even if it means that he’s throwing out of the bullpen.
There had been rumors earlier in the year that they were considering doing that, and based on what the Oregon native has shown, he’s well worth at least a bullpen spot.
Related: Phillies’ Andrew Painter Gets Worrying Update on Future Big League Debut
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.