That depth is being tested right now, though, with Zack Wheeler (paternity list) away from the team and Aaron Nola having a longer-than-expected turn on the injured list. As a result, this go-round in the Majors for Abel will have a bit more staying power.
Abel, the Phillies’ No. 8 prospect, held up his end of the deal with 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a 2-1 loss against the Blue Jays on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old became the first Phillies starter to post 10 or more scoreless innings to begin his career since Cole Hamels in 2006. He’s also the first pitcher in at least the last 125 seasons with five or more innings, no walks and either one or zero runs allowed in each of his first two MLB appearances.
“I think it’s kinda clicked for him, you know?” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s been around [as a pro] now for a few years, and I think he’s learned a lot. He’s confident in his stuff, and he understands now to attack hitters and trust his stuff. That goes a long way.”
Abel didn’t have the mesmerizing swing-and-miss arsenal from his debut against Pittsburgh, when he fanned nine batters while tallying 18 whiffs. This time, he had just two K's and five whiffs.
But to Thomson’s point, that didn’t hold him back from attacking the Blue Jays. Through the first five innings, Abel tossed a first-pitch strike to 13 of 16 hitters.
He admitted afterward to not having his “A-plus stuff,” citing a few curveballs that didn’t dive out of the zone how he’d wanted in leverage counts. Still, with a 66.7% strike rate on 78 pitches, he was efficient and effective.
There’s no longer a question of whether Abel will stick around for another turn through the Phillies’ rotation. He’s earned it, but his spot in the rotation is only partially based on merit.
Nola, who went on the IL on May 16 (retroactive to May 15) with a right ankle sprain, was scheduled to throw live batting practice Thursday at Rogers Centre. But he felt some stiffness in his right side Tuesday, so the Phillies are shutting him down for a couple of days out of precaution.
Thomson described the issue as “very mild,” but it does elongate Nola’s timeline to return.
A full three weeks have passed since Nola’s last start. When he heads out for a rehab assignment, it’s likely the right-hander will need some additional time to build back up.
Then there’s Wheeler, who should be back soon, though that date hasn’t been set.
Eventually, the rotation will turn back over to Abel. And he’ll be prepared.
“Mentally, I think I’m in a really good spot right now,” Abel said. “So, just not trying to ride the highs too high or roll in the lows. Just trying to stay neutral the whole time.”
Realmuto exits in ninth
As the Phillies work through some absences in the rotation, the other side of the battery took a hit in the ninth inning on Wednesday when catcher J.T. Realmuto exited the game with a possible groin/thigh contusion.
Realmuto was struck by a foul tip off the bat of Bo Bichette, and he fell from his crouched position onto the dirt. After a few minutes in obvious pain, he was helped into the clubhouse by the Phillies’ training staff.
Realmuto was checked by a team doctor after the game, but it was too soon for an assessment on his status moving forward.
“He said he's had worse, but we'll see,” Thomson said. “We'll check him out [Thursday]."