Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Phillies' J.T. Realmuto makes Mick Abel admission after latest outing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 4:10 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies and their fans thought they found another ace in their system when Mick Abel got off to an incredible start to his MLB career. But, there was some doubt after his latest outing against the San Diego Padres.

After the game, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto commented on Abel's rough outing. He gave a fair, but blunt, assessment of Abel after his roughest outing of his MLB career thus far.

"He was kind of missing all over the place," Realmuto told Matt Gelb of The Athletic. "It's not easy. I mean, there's a lot of pressure in that situation."

Abel couldn't command his pitches in his last outing. He walked one batter in the first inning, but walked four in the second, including three in a row to load the bases and walk in two runs.

He then gave up a double, which put the Phillies in a 5-0 hole early, and ended his day after going just 1.2 innings. It was the worst start of his brief MLB tenure so far. He allowed the most runs and went the fewest innings of any start this season.

Whether it's due to batters stealing his pitches or Abel struggling to locate, it's been a rough couple of starts for the young righty.

On Friday, the Phillies announced they sent Abel back down to Triple-A.

Prior to today’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, the Phillies recalled RHP Seth Johnson from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, RHP Mick Abel was optioned to Lehigh Valley.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 4, 2025

Realmuto has been in the league for a while, so he's no stranger to a pitcher struggling on the mound. Realmuto offered a different perspective, one of confidence, after Abel's latest outing.

"He's done a great job for us," Realmuto said. "That's just part of the growing pains of being a young pitcher."

The 23-year-old has a 5.04 ERA and a 2-2 record through his first six starts in the big leagues. It's been an up-and-down beginning of his career thus far, but he's shown flashes, enough to warrant more time invested in him.

If Abel can get back to his previous stuff, the Phillies could have another strong starter on the roster. But, for now, Abel will look to reset and rebound for his next start with Aaron Nola on the injured list and Andrew Painter in the minors.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: