The Philadelphia Phillies enter the season with a top-heavy rotation that features arguably the best 1-2 punch in the game with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. They could use another arm in the back end of the rotation and throughout the season, it wouldn't be surprising to see them call someone up to fill that role.
With Andrew Painter undergoing Tommy John surgery last July, he's likely sidelined for all of the 2024 season, That leaves Mick Abel as a potential candidate to make his debut.
Abel, 22 years old, was drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. The big right-hander has an electric fastball and is regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball, ranking in the top 50, according to MLB.com.
He spoke about his goals for the upcoming season, recognizing he needs to keep his walks down after dealing with command issues for much of his young professional career. He had the following to say, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
"Lowering the walks per nine. Objectively, that's my biggest goal,"Abel said Thursday from Phillies camp.
He walked 65 hitters in 113 1/3 innings pitched throughout Double-A and Triple-A in 2023.
Abel could use more time in the minors as he deals with his control issues. If he has command issues at the big league level, Abel will find it tough to get outs. Big league teams capitalize on walks and that would be no different with Abel, despite how good his stuff is when he's at his best.
Still, the Phillies could give him a chance at some point throughout the season if they need a spot start.
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