Phillies

Mick Abel Will Return to Majors, Start in Toronto on Thursday

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Jun 1st, 2025 · 1:24 PM EDT

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The Phillies are bringing Mick Abel back into the rotation after a dominant MLB debut back on May 18th.

Rob Thomson said this morning that Abel will return to the majors and start for the Phillies on Thursday in the series finale in Toronto. Taijuan Walker will return to the bullpen. They’re going to try him in 1-inning leverage situations and see how it goes.

It was hard to ignore Abel’s success much longer. He has a 2.21 ERA in 10 AAA starts this season, striking out 67 batters in 57 innings. The Phillies are going to take advantage of Abel’s surge until Aaron Nola returns from the IL. Zack Wheeler will start Tuesday, Cristopher Sanchez will start on Wednesday, and Mick Abel will go on Thursday.

It’s no secret that the Phillies bullpen needs help. There’s 3 guys the Phillies can truly “trust” right now. Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering. Jose Ruiz was DFA’d this morning to make room for RHP Seth Johnson, who will be available out of the bullpen today. But it’s a group filled with question marks.

The Phillies liked what they saw in Taijuan Walker’s first bullpen stint. They’re going to try it again and give him some big spots. Here’s what Rob Thomson said pregame (H/T: Tim Kelly / On Pattison).

I wanna see him in a one-inning stint and see what he can do…I’ve got a lot of confidence in all those guys [in the bullpen], but I think Tai’s got a chance to make us a lot better coming out of the ‘pen

It was a shakeup morning for the Phillies, and it should benefit them. Here’s where the pitching staff stands after three moves this morning.

Starters

• Zack Wheeler
• Cristopher Sanchez
• Jesus Luzardo
• Ranger Suarez
• Mick Abel

Relievers

• Jordan Romano
• Orion Kerkering
• Matt Strahm
• Tanner Banks
• Max Lazar
• Taijuan Walker
• Seth Johnson
• Carlos Hernandez