Phillies

Mick Abel Dazzles Through Six Shutout Innings in MLB Debut

By Luke Arcaini

Published: May 18th, 2025 · 4:53 PM EDT

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Mick Abel’s major league debut was one of the best outings of the year by any Phillies starter.

The 23-year-old prospect dazzled through six innings, allowing just five hits. He struck out nine batters, five on his curveball, one on the slider, two on the fastball, and one on the sinker. He threw 84 pitches and 62 of them (74%) were strikes.

Abel’s biggest issue throughout his time in the minor leagues has been walks. He walked 78 batters in 108.2 innings in 2024. He didn’t walk a single batter in his major league debut on Sunday. In fact, the Pirates had 22 at-bats against Abel, and he got behind in the count in 8 of those 22 at-bats. Seven of the 8 resulted in outs. The only hit surrendered after getting behind in the count was to Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the 5th inning, who was thrown out by Rafael Marchan two pitches later.

I asked Rob Thomson about Abel’s ability to stay in the zone after some walk issues in the past:

Walks have been an issue for Mick Abel in the past. He didn’t walk a single batter today.

I asked Rob Thomson about Abel staying in the zone, and Thomson praised his poise.

“Staying in the moment, staying calm. He’s been able to do that. He’s grown, immensely.” pic.twitter.com/UlpSiSdlev

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 18, 2025

It’s been a long journey for Abel. His numbers in the minors continued to get worse every year after being drafted. He hit the development list in 2024 in the middle of a brutal Triple-A season and came back a different pitcher.

He looked elite again through his first eight AAA starts in 2025, and the Phillies gave him a shot on Sunday. He took that opportunity and tied the all-time record for strikeouts by a Phillie in their major league debut.

Thomson had nothing but praise for the rookie following his dominant debut:

For him to come up here, in this atmosphere, 74% strikes, first pitch strikes, landing the breaking ball…he’s really grown up. He slowed everything down today and stayed in the moment…I’m really happy for him.

Abel will return to Triple-A following this start, but if he continues to pitch like he did on Sunday, I can’t imagine he’ll be down there long. With Aaron Nola on the IL, and Jose Alvarado now suspended 80 games, the Phillies may need some innings from the 23-year-old in the weeks coming.