Phillies' second round of roster cuts ends top pitching prospect's Opening Day bid

The Philadelphia Phillies announced more roster cuts before Wednesday's spring training contest against the Detroit Tigers. In the latest round of moves, one of Philadelphia's top prospects, Mick Abel, and pitchers Ryan Burr and Tyler McKay have been reassigned to minor league camp by the organization.

The moves come just a couple of days after the team announced its first round of roster cuts on March 11, which sent Griff McGarry to minor league camp.

Fan favorite Mick Abel may be back with the Phillies during the regular season

Abel, the Phillies' No. 2 prospect, presumably will begin the 2024 season in Triple-A with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He appeared in two contests as a reliever this spring. He had two strikeouts and allowed no hits, runs, or walks in an inning of work during the Feb. 25 game against the New York Yankees.

During his second and final game out of the bullpen on March 11, the 22-year-old threw 1 2/3 innings against the Yankees. Abel finished with no hits, walks, or runs and two strikeouts, one of which came against one of the league's best hitters, Juan Soto.

Abel spent the majority of his playing time last year in Double-A with the Reading Fightin Phils. He went 5-5 in 108 2/3 innings. The right-hander finished with 126 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP in 22 starts.

The Phillies' 15th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft made one appearance with the IronPigs in 2023. He had six strikeouts, three walks, two earned runs, and five hits allowed in 4 2/3 innings. While fans would have liked to see Abel make the big league club out of spring training, he will benefit from more time in Triple-A to begin 2024.

It's possible if he excels with Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia has an opening in its starting rotation during the season, he will be promoted to the majors this season. It appears likely that he will spend most, if not all, of 2024 with the IronPigs before making a run at a spot with the Phillies for the 2025 Opening Day roster. Fans can see Abel in the Spring Breakout game on March 16 against the Detroit Tigers.

Pitchers Ryan Burr and Tyler McKay are no longer on the Phillies roster. Burr appeared in four contests and finished with a 0-1 record and a 7.36 ERA. He had four strikeouts and a 1.36 WHIP in 3 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. The 29-year-old allowed three earned runs and five hits. McKay appeared in five games and had one save in his only opportunity. He finished with a 4.15 ERA in 4 1/3 innings and had three strikeouts. He also had a 1.38 WHIP and allowed two earned runs and five hits.