Mick Abel DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Mick Abel is expected to earn the call from Triple-A and start Thursday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. As a result, Taijuan Walker will shift to the bullpen. When Aaron Nola (ankle) hit the 15-day injured list, the Phillies promoted Abel to make a spot start but expected Walker to operate as the full-time replacement. During his first career outing in the majors, Abel looked quite comfortable, tossing six shutout innings with five hits and nine punchouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, Walker has allowed nine earned runs over his last 12 innings and will return to a relief role. Given his impressive MLB debut, fantasy managers in standard formats should consider adding Abel as he could have a path to remain in the rotation until Nola returns.

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Mick Abel tossed 4 2/3 one-run innings (zero earned runs) against Triple-A Norfolk on Friday. In this outing, Abel struck out eight batters and allowed four hits with three free passes. This was his second straight outing at Triple-A with at least eight punchouts. Abel made his MLB debut on May 18 against the Pittsburgh Pirates and looked quite sharp, tossing six shutout frames with nine punchouts. Through 57 innings at Triple-A this season, Abel has performed at an elite level, holding a 2.21 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP. During this stretch, Abel has tallied 67 total punchouts. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be in the mix to return to the majors with Aaron Nola (ankle) on the 15-day injured list. Taijuan Walker has replaced Nola in the rotation but has allowed nine runs over his last 12 frames. If Walker continues to struggle, Abel will likely be given a second stint in the major leagues.

The Philadelphia Phillies optioned right-handed pitching prospect Mick Abel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday and recalled right-hander Max Lazar in a corresponding move, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Lochlahn March. Abel will head back to the farm despite the fact that he looked excellent in his spot start on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 23-year-old threw six shutout innings with five hits allowed, no walks and nine strikeouts to pick up the victory in his major-league debut. After the strong start, the team's No. 9-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, will surely be considered for another major-league call-up later this year if the Phillies need another arm. For now, though, veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker will take over the rotation spot of Aaron Nola (ankle), who was recently placed on the 15-day injured list. Lazar has a 3.12 ERA in 15 relief outings for Lehigh Valley this year.