PHILADELPHIA -- Mick Abel has been waiting a few years to hear his name called -- but when it finally happened, it still caught him by surprise.
Abel was in Syracuse with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this past week when he learned that he'd be making his MLB debut for the Phillies in Sunday's series finale against the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. The 23-year-old righty was caught off guard when IronPigs manager Anthony Contreras brought the entire team together in the midst of the club’s seven-game winning streak.
"I had no idea it was coming," Abel said. "[Contreras] called a meeting and was talking about the team's success -- how we aren't riding the highs too much, and we're acknowledging when we’re not in good places.
"Then, he’s like, 'Yeah, we’ve got a lot to celebrate today,' and then said [I was getting called up to the Phillies]. I was pretty surprised."
It took Abel a few moments to even realize what had just happened.
"I was a little starstruck at first, then I was like, 'Oh shoot, he said my name,'" Abel said. "I put my head down and kind of really didn’t know how to feel. I was pretty overwhelmed, but once I stood up, the emotions kind of started flowing, and I was dapping guys up. It was fun."
The 15th overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Abel has had his ups and downs over the past half-decade. He was one of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects as recently as last season, but he dropped off that list after going 3-12 with a 6.46 ERA in 24 starts with Lehigh Valley.
The major sticking point for Abel -- the club’s No. 8 prospect -- has been his control, as evidenced by his 62 walks in 108 2/3 innings at Double-A in 2023. But to this point in '25, he's 5-2 with a 2.53 ERA in eight starts. More importantly, he's walked just 19 batters in 46 1/3 innings. His 9.9% walk rate is the lowest of his career.
"Any time a guy makes his debut, whether it’s a position player or a pitcher, it’s always exciting," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said prior to Saturday’s game. "He’s had a lot of focus on him since he signed as a high Draft pick. He’s had some struggles in the past, but he’s had a really good season this year.
"I told him, 'Hey, just come in here, it’s one start -- just go out there and be yourself. Enjoy the moment.'"
Abel has certainly enjoyed everything that comes with that moment so far. After receiving the news himself, his first call was to his parents, who had a similar initial reaction as their son.
"I called my dad and asked if my mom was in the room, then I had them put me on speaker and I added my brother to the call," Abel said. "I told them I was going to the big leagues. They were as shocked as I was. It was pretty cool."
That trio will be among those in attendance on Sunday, when Abel makes his debut opposite Pirates ace and reigning National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. Abel's girlfriend and some other close friends will also make the trip to see him take the mound in front of the Philadelphia faithful.
"It’s awesome, I’m super excited," Abel said. "I've talked to a lot of people. I’m expecting all the nerves in the world, but at the end of the day, it’s the same game -- just in a different place. But to make [my debut in Philadelphia] is pretty special."
The Phillies have already told Abel he'll return to Triple-A following Sunday's outing. Taijuan Walker will slide into the rotation on Wednesday to take the place of the injured Aaron Nola.
The club did a similar thing with Cristopher Sánchez in 2023, calling him up for an April 22 spot start and telling him ahead of time it was just for one start. He ultimately returned in mid-June and has since entrenched himself in Philadelphia’s starting rotation.
Thomson believes that telling Sánchez ahead of time he was being called up for only one start helped take some pressure off.
Does he think that will also be the case for Abel?
"I think so," Thomson said.
For his part, Abel is focused simply on making the most of his first impression.
"I’m excited to get out there," Abel said. "I know it’s just one [start], but it’s a good shot for me to go out there and show who I am."