The Phillies are calling up Mick Abel, their No. 8 prospect, for his major league debut. The 23-year-old right-hander, drafted 15th overall by Philadelphia in 2020, is about to fulfill a lifelong dream. Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola expressed his support for Abel, reflecting on his own debut with the team on July 21, 2015.
“I remember being in that position,” Nola said. “It’s an incredible experience — one he’ll always remember. I’m excited for him. He’s put in a lot of hard work to get here.”
Nola also offered some words of wisdom to the young pitcher.
“Just soak it all in,” he said. “You only get one debut, so be as prepared as you can and really take in every part of it — the ballpark, the fans, your opponent, the fact that you’re pitching in the big leagues. It’s an honor to be here.”
Mick Abel Rebounds From Rough 2024 to Earn Promotion
Few would have expected Abel to reach this point so early in the 2025 season—especially given how rough things were for him just a year ago.
In 2024, Abel made 24 starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, allowing unearned runs in all but two of those appearances. Over 108.2 innings, he gave up 119 hits and issued 78 walks, leading to a high 1.81 WHIP. He finished the year with a 3-12 record and a 6.46 ERA.
This season, however, he turned things around in a big way, going 5-2 with a 2.53 ERA over eight starts for the IronPigs, striking out 51 batters in 46.1 innings. Now, on Sunday, he’ll get to live out his dream of pitching in the major leagues.