Categories: News

Mick Abel throws 2 scoreless innings against stacked Braves lineup

The Phillies called up Mick Abel to start a Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves. (Cheryl Pursell)

The Phillies are short on starting pitching. Andrew Painter, Cristopher Sanchez and Nick Nelson are all out with injuries. Ranger Suárez is making his way back from forearm tightness and Taijuan Walker is still with Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

With Saturday’s Grapefruit League contest being a night game against the division rival Atlanta Braves in North Port, it was probably in the Phillies’ best interest to give the start to a minor leaguer who won’t be making the club but could use the challenge of facing a lineup full of major leaguers.

It’s why the Phillies called on top pitching prospect Mick Abel to make the trip. He struck out two and allowed only one walk against a lineup stacked with Braves regulars. The 21-year-old walked Matt Olsen, but struck out Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley. Travis d’Arnaud, Michael Harris II and Vaughn Grissom flew out against Abel.

The former first round pick split time last season between High-A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading, pitching to a 3.90 ERA across 108 1/3 innings. He could begin the 2023 season in Triple A.

Among other positive developments, leadoff hitter Brandon Marsh hit his first home run of the spring against left hander Dylan Dodd. He lined another hard-hit ball to center against Dodd in his second at-bat, but he was robbed of a hit by Harris.

The Braves are currently leading the Phillies 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning. The game is available to watch for free on Braves.com.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

  1. Phillies Nation Top 15 Prospects: March 2023
  2. Trea Turner Could Be First Phillie Since Juan Samuel To Steal 50 Bases
  3. David Robertson Becomes Key Figure In NL East Race After Edwin Díaz Injury
  4. Phillies Nuggets: Opening Day Lineup Projection 3.0
  5. José Alvarado Talks Transformation, World Series, New Contract & More
  6. Bryce Harper: ‘I Want To Play Well Into My 40s’
  7. Report: Phillies Looking Outside Organization For Right-Handed Backup Outfielder
  8. Phillies 2023 Opening Day Roster Projection 2.0
  9. Rhys Hoskins Talks Playoff Memories, Team Confidence Heading Into 2023
  10. Garrett Stubbs Bat-Spiked And DJ’d His Way To Fan Favorite Status In 2022. He’s Ready For ‘New Memories’ In 2023
https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1464000724
Share
Destiny Lugardo

A lifelong native of Philadelphia, Destiny has been a contributor for Phillies Nation since January 2019 and was named Deputy Editorial Director in May 2020.

Get throwback Phillies styles from Shibe Vintage Sports in Center City Philly