Mick Abel did his homework in a big way for the Philadelphia Phillies, making a standout debut in the final game of the series against the Pirates. Called up following Nola’s trip to the IL, Abel not only extended the team’s winning streak but also tied a rookie record that had stood since 1947.
Abel struck out nine batters over six shutout innings, matching Curt Simmons’ franchise record for most strikeouts by a Phillies starting pitcher in an MLB debut, a mark Simmons set in 1947. But the record wasn’t the only highlight. Abel didn’t allow a run or a single walk, a remarkable feat for someone making his first major league appearance under pressure.
From the very first pitch, Abel was in complete control. He opened the game by striking out Oneil Cruz with a sequence of overpowering stuff—fastballs clocked at 98.3, 99, and 98.8 mph, followed by a devastating 84.4 mph curveball that left no chance for contact.
Abel’s Stats vs. the Pirates
Abel impressed in his Phillies debut against the Pirates, tossing 6 shutout innings with 9 strikeouts, no walks, and just 5 hits allowed. He threw 84 pitches (62 strikes), mixing four-seamers (39%), curves (26%), sliders, sinkers, and a few changeups. Abel generated 48 swings with a 38% whiff rate—his curveball alone drew an eye-popping 73% whiffs.
Romano and Thomson Praise Abel
Manager Rob Thomson was thrilled with what he saw: “Well, you know, it’s just the circumstances make us do it,” Thomson said. “But he keeps throwing the ball like that, I guarantee he’s going to be back.“ He added, “For him to come up here, in this atmosphere… 74% strikes, first-pitch strikes, landing the breaking ball… he’s really grown up. He slowed everything down today and stayed in the moment… I’m really happy for him.”
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“Oh man, I can’t even imagine just all the emotions,” Romano said of Abel’s debut. “First, making your debut, all the emotions there and just having, I mean, the best debut I’ve ever seen. It was incredible. It was really fun to watch him work out there, attack — pitching like a veteran out there. So it was really cool.”