The Philadelphia Phillies have had to dig into the farm system twice this season for spot starts. With Zack Wheeler on the paternity list, Mick Abel turned in his best Wheeler impersonation. The young pitcher answered the call again on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, pitching into great company with a feat that has not been done since Cole Hamels in 2006.
In his second start with the Phillies, Abel followed his six-inning shutout debut performance with continued dominance in his start against the Blue Jays. He finished the outing by continuing his scoreless streak to 11+ innings before allowing an RBI triple in the bottom of the sixth inning. The RBI triple ended the right-hander's night before Orion Kerkering picked up two outs to keep the game tied at one.
Mick Abel joins Cole Hamels in rare company after second MLB start
Abel has thrown the most scoreless innings to start a major league career for the Phillies since Hamels did so back in 2006, 19 years ago when he started his career. The big difference between the two was the command, as Hamels walked nine while Abel threw zero walks.
Mick Abel, Wicked 83mph Curveball. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/FL45yNzYZ5
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 4, 2025
This is only fitting after in spring training Hamels talked about the importance of command for Abel. Walk percentage has been a big issue for the Phillies' No. 8 MLB Pipeline prospect at 15.1 percent in 2024 before lowering it to 10.9 percent this season. Seeing his command this sharp to start the year is a giant plus.
His Phillies record-setting start does not stop there. According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, he is the first pitcher in the last 125 seasons to throw 5+ innings while not allowing a walk and giving up only one earned run.
Mick Abel is the first pitcher in at least the last 125 seasons with 5+ innings, no walks and 1 or 0 runs allowed in each of his first two MLB appearances https://t.co/EVQWR1gT9i
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 5, 2025
His average fastball is sitting at 97.3 mph and a sinker of 96.2 mph. Abel has mixed his pitches very well, having great movement, making it difficult for hitters to figure out. While some talked about his stellar debut being against the Pittsburgh Pirates, it was great to see him repeat it against a good Blue Jays offense.
Unfortunately Abel in his first two starts has received little run support as he has only picked up two runs while on the mound winning his first outing 1-0 before leaving the game Wednesday tied at 1-1 to earn the no-decision.
His final line between his first two starts is 11 1/3 innings, striking out 11 hitters, allowing one earned run and walking zero. The Abel bounce-back story continues and after a down year in 2024 he has put in the work in Triple-A this season and now his first two starts in the majors.