<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-ken-rosenthal-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-mick-abels-2025-turnaround');   ga('set', 'title', 'Ken Rosenthal pulls back the curtain on Phillies rookie Mick Abel’s 2025 turnaround');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mick-Abel.jpg"></figure><h1>Ken Rosenthal pulls back the curtain on Phillies rookie Mick Abel’s 2025 turnaround</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-22T13:01:20-07:00">June 22nd, 1:01pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-22T13:01:20-07:00">June 22nd, 1:01pm</time><address><a>Dylan Fine</a>Dylan Fine focuses on the NFL and NCAA Football for ClutchPoints, in addition to working on the meme team. Dylan is a graduate of Georgetown University and has covered various topics ranging from local politics in the DMV region with DC Voter For Animals to live sporting events in the Long Island and Rochester areas with The Southampton Press and Pickin’Splinters. When he isn't working, he's usually running in preparation for the next annual Turkey Trot.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>MLB on FOX field reporter Ken Rosenthal pulled back the curtain on Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mick Abel’s 2025 turnaround. Even though he was a first-round pick in 2025, it’s been a long road to the majors for the Portland, Oregon native. But the 23-year-old is now in the middle of his rookie year amid an encouraging season.</p><p>Through five stars, Abel is 2-1 with a 3.47 ERA, proving himself to be a reliable starter already on this level. Abel picked up his first loss against the New York Mets last night, but it’s a learning experience he’s bound to get better from. Rosenthal detailed Mick’s <a href="https://x.com/MLBONFOX/status/1936572279414260074" rel="noopener">path during</a> the Phillies’ 11-4 loss to their divisional rival.</p><p>“Abel was a mess in Triple-A last season with a 6.46 ERA. He credits his turnaround in part due to his mental performance coach Brian Cain who helped him develop routines and improved his attention to detail. Abel said his lack of success last season kind of took a toll on him mentally. He described himself as an incomplete man who needed to become a more solid human being. Well, he’s trying, trying to become more well-rounded. Hanging out with friends, playing more video games, just enjoying life.”</p><p>The Phillies are currently 46-31 and tied with the Mets for first place in the NL East. After a somewhat slow start for this group, Rob Thomson’s team has found its form as the season has continued. Now, Philadelphia is one of the preeminent contenders in the National League along with the Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s a fine line between all four of these teams, and each franchise will likely make some moves on the margin before the trade deadline on July 31.</p><p>For the Phillies, this current roster could use another reliable bat, particularly from the outfield, as well as added depth in the bullpen. Philadelphia does have one of the best starting rotations in the league. Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-philadelphia-2025-all-star-team">Cristopher Sanchez are all pitching like All-Stars</a> this season and primed to be playoff starters. That fourth spot in the rotation is somewhat up for grabs between players like Abel and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-philadelphia-acquires-jesus-luzardo-trade-marlins">Jesus Luzardo, who Philadelphia traded for</a> during the offseason. In addition, former All-Star Aaron Nola will return later in the summer.</p><p>Overall, Abel will play a pivotal role in October should he continue to develop. The Phillies have to love the progress they’ve seen from their young pitcher, and the best should be yet to come, especially as he continues to maintain his new lifestyle choices.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Ken Rosenthal pulls back the curtain on Phillies rookie Mick Abel’s 2025 turnaround

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-mick-abel-mlb-history-debut');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies’ Mick Abel makes MLB history in second start');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mick-Abel.jpeg"><figcaption>Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies’ Mick Abel makes MLB history in second start</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-04T19:20:37-07:00">June 4th, 7:20pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-04T19:22:40-07:00">June 4th, 7:22pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies have seen their fair share of promising arms come through the system, but <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-mick-abels-mlb-debut-goat-label-from-closer">Mick Abel’s first two starts</a> are rewriting the script for what rookie <a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1930429806002233359" rel="noopener">dominance looks like</a> in the modern era of baseball.</p><p>To put Abel’s dominance in perspective, OptaSTATS provided a data-backed milestone on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p><p>“Mick Abel of the @Phillies is the only MLB pitcher in the modern era to pitch at least 5.0 innings with no walks and no more than 1 run allowed in each of his first 2 career appearances.”</p><p>The 6-foot-5 right-hander right-hander was a first-round pick in 2020 and now, just five years later, is the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s starting hopes. His command mirrors past Phillies icons like Cole Hamels, but unlike Hamels’ debut, Abel has issued zero walks through two career starts. That control—coupled with his cool mound presence—has fans drawing comparisons to greats from MLB rookie pitching record history.</p><p>Critics will note that two MLB starts don’t make a career, and that skepticism isn’t unwarranted. Yet the sample, while small, is statistically unmatched in modern era baseball. Abel’s performance also bucks current trends—2024 saw MLB starters average only 5.2 innings per game. His ability to consistently reach and exceed that mark without wildness makes him a throwback gem.</p><p>For a club with high expectations and a 37-24 record, just one game back of the New York Mets, Abel’s emergence could be the turning point in the race for the NL East. The Phillies have long leaned on power bats to carry them through tight stretches, but <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-mick-abel-rare-air-dominant-major-league-debut">the rise of Abel</a> shows they may finally have a homegrown arm who can anchor the staff for years to come.</p><p>With his next start looming, all eyes will be on the right-hander. Can Abel continue to defy expectations and eventually cement himself as the new ace in Philadelphia’s rotation?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies’ Mick Abel makes MLB history in second start

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-mick-abels-mlb-debut-goat-label-from-closer');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies rookie Mick Abel’s MLB debut draws GOAT label from closer');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mick-Abel-cover.jpg"></figure><h1>Phillies rookie Mick Abel’s MLB debut draws GOAT label from closer</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-19T00:19:03-07:00">May 19th, 12:19am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-19T00:19:03-07:00">May 19th, 12:19am</time><address><a>Brayden Haena</a>Brayden Haena is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He's a die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and a football fanatic. In addition to sports writing, he works for Arizona Football in the Player Personnel and Recruiting department and formerly served as the Defensive Coordinator for Heritage High School.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On a day when the Philadelphia Phillies needed a spark, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/phillies-news-mick-abel-rare-air-dominant-major-league-debut">23-year-old right-hander Mick Abel delivered one of the most electrifying debuts</a> in recent memory — and possibly in franchise history.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/jeff-passans-paul-skenes-pirates-trade-comment-draws-stern-take-from-ex-player">Facing off against Pirates ace Paul Skenes</a> in front of a sold-out Citizens Bank Park crowd of 44,356, Abel pitched with poise, purpose, and power. He fired six scoreless innings, allowing just five hits while striking out nine and issuing zero walks. His 84-pitch masterpiece — 62 of them strikes — <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45212042/phillies-mick-abel-outduels-paul-skenes-9-k-debut" rel="noopener">tied Curt Simmons’ franchise debut record</a> for strikeouts, set all the way back in 1947.</p><p><a href="https://www.phillyvoice.com/phillies-news-analysis-mick-abel-stats-highlights-rob-thomson-jordan-romano-rafael-marchan-paul-skenes/" rel="noopener">After calling Abel’s performance</a> “the best debut I’ve ever seen,” Phillies closer Jordan Romano admitted that he felt additional pressure trying to ensure he could secure the rookie’s first major league win. “I was actually thinking about that,” Romano said. “…A little added pressure, but just happy we won the game and he got to really enjoy the moment.”</p><p>“For him to come up here in this atmosphere, throw 74 percent strikes, land his breaking ball, get a lot of swing and miss… just very, very impressive,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said postgame. “Poise level was really, really good.”</p><p>Abel, the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2020, had battled through adversity to get here. His 2024 season in Triple-A was forgettable, marred by a 6.46 ERA and control issues. But he responded this year with a 5-2 record and a 2.53 ERA in eight starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, showing improved command and mound maturity.</p><p>“I think it took a lot of reflection and understanding who I am as a person,” Abel said. “Redefining what success is — and trying to get 1% better every day.”</p><h2><b>Phillies rookie stuns the world out-dueling Paul Skenes</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mick-Abel_7bc5eb.jpg"><figcaption>Kyle Ross-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>He took that mindset to the mound Sunday, bumping his velocity up into the 97–98 mph range, well above his usual 95–96. His first two pitches nearly touched 99 mph. But it wasn’t just gas that stunned Pittsburgh’s lineup — Abel mixed in sliders, curveballs, and changeups with surgical command.</p><p>“I wasn’t really trying to do too much,” Abel said. “I think the adrenaline definitely helped, but I just wanted to have fun and enjoy the moment.”</p><p>That moment wasn’t made easier by the circumstances. Just hours before first pitch, the Phillies learned that elite reliever José Alvarado had been suspended 80 games for a PED violation, leaving a huge hole in the bullpen. But the remaining relievers stepped up: Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Jordan Romano combined for three scoreless innings to seal a 1-0 win and a series sweep of the Pirates.</p><p>“This one’s really gratifying,” Thomson said. “After the sad news this morning, to get that effort from Mick and the bullpen — that’s how you win playoff games.”</p><p>The game’s only run came in the fifth inning, when Brandon Marsh beat out a potential inning-ending double play to score Nick Castellanos. That was all the Phillies needed, thanks to Abel’s gem and the bullpen’s composure.</p><p>Despite the debut dominance, Abel will return to Triple-A, as planned, when Taijuan Walker rejoins the rotation. But he left an unforgettable impression.</p><p>“I want nothing more than to be back here,” Abel said. “To fight for a winning ball club like this… it means everything.”</p><p>Thomson put it simply: “He keeps throwing like that, I guarantee he’s going to be back.”</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies rookie Mick Abel’s MLB debut draws GOAT label from closer

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-mick-abel-rare-air-dominant-major-league-debut');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies’ Mick Abel in rare air after dominant major league debut');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Phillies-pitcher-Mick-Abel-throws-against-the-Pirates.jpg"><figcaption>© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies’ Mick Abel in rare air after dominant major league debut</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-18T13:58:22-07:00">May 18th, 1:58pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-18T13:58:39-07:00">May 18th, 1:58pm</time><address><a>Benjamin Adducchio</a>Benjamin Adducchio is a journalist and writer with more than a decade of experience in covering sports news. Ben is a passionate sports fan who loves college football, basketball, and the New York Yankees.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mick Abel had an impressive Major League Baseball debut for his club Sunday. Abel dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out nine batters while allowing no walks or runs in six innings of shutout baseball. Abel is the <a href="https://x.com/jaysonst/status/1924178840097522167" rel="noopener">third pitcher in the modern era</a> to do that in a debut, per The Athletic.</p><p>The other two pitchers that have accomplished that feat are Shota Imanaga, and Nick Kingham. Imanaga did it just last season, while Kingham posted that type of performance in 2018. The Athletic is using the website Baseball Reference to make this claim.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/pirates-news-manager-addresses-second-ejection-seventh-game">The Phillies completed a three-game sweep against the hapless Pirates</a> on Sunday, with a 1-0 shutout victory. Abel finished his day allowing five hits, but not one run.</p><p>Philadelphia is now 28-18 on the year following the victory.</p><h2><b>The Phillies rookie pitcher put himself in elite company</b></h2><p>Abel’s nine strikeouts tied him for the most in <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mick-abel-ties-phillies-record-for-most-strikeouts-in-mlb-debut-as-2020-draft-pick-shuts-down-pirates/" rel="noopener">a big league debut</a> in franchise history, per CBS Sports. The last time a Phillies rookie did that was way back in 1947, when Harry Truman was President. Philadelphia’s Curt Simmons was the last pitcher to get nine strikeouts in his debut.</p><p>While Abel is expected to return to the minors, it’s likely he won’t be there long. This type of dominance surely has the Phillies excited to see what he can do next.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/phillies-news-aaron-nola-il-top-prospects-prepares-mlb-debut">Abel was on the mound Sunday to fill in for injured starter Aaron Nola</a>. In triple-A this year, Abel has posted a 2.53 ERA. He was drafted by the club in 2020.</p><p>Philadelphia is rolling right now. The team has won seven of their last 10 games. They are in second place in the National League East, as of Sunday. The Phillies are just a game behind the New York Mets, who play the Yankees on Sunday night.</p><p>The Phillies next play the lowly Colorado Rockies on Monday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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Phillies’ Mick Abel in rare air after dominant major league debut

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