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Phillies Predicted to Cut Ties With Mick Abel After Aaron Nola News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 4:05 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have been fortunate that right-hander Mick Abel has thrown the baseball at the level he has throughout the first few starts of his big league career.

In his 20.1 innings, the 23-year-old has posted a 2.21 ERA and has struck out 17 hitters. Abel, an Oregon native, has looked the part.

However, he realistically only had a chance because of Aaron Nola’s injury. If Nola doesn't return to the level that the Phillies are hoping for, or they get bad news on his injury front, it's possible that Abel could still be on the team in the coming months.

However, if Andrew Painter comes up when he's expected to, which could be sometime in July, and Nola is healthy, it's tough to find a place for Abel in the rotation.

That's why The Athletic recently predicted that they'd cut ties with him, adding that Abel will likely be the Phillies' best trade chip.

“Perhaps the biggest question the Phillies must answer in the next six weeks, James. A lot of it will depend on Aaron Nola’s progress from his various injuries. If the Phillies have doubts about his ability to contribute in August and September, it might compel them to keep Abel. But they know Andrew Painter is coming. And, while Abel has pitched well in the majors, I do think he represents their best trade chip,” they wrote.

There should be many teams interested in a young right-hander who has the stuff Abel does. He was once one of the top prospects in baseball and has proven why in the early stages of his big league career.

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

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