Phillies’ Mick Abel Optioned After Stellar Debut, Max Lazar Recalled

DENVER — After making a stunning debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, pitcher Mick Abel has been optioned back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the team confirmed Monday. Abel’s impressive performance came during a start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, where he struck out nine batters and threw six scoreless innings.

“It was always the plan for Mick to make just one start,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He’s been pitching well and we want to keep him stretched out at Lehigh Valley for the rotation.”

With the Phillies facing a shortage in their bullpen due to José Alvarado‘s 80-game suspension, the team recalled right-handed reliever Max Lazar from Lehigh Valley. Lazar, 25, has shown strong performance this season, achieving a 3.12 ERA and 0.920 WHIP across 15 relief appearances, striking out 20 batters without allowing an earned run in his last five outings.

“He’s actually pitching really well,” Thomson noted about Lazar, emphasizing his improved velocity and ability to throw strikes. “We feel confident he can help in high-leverage situations.”

Lazar’s previous experience with the Phillies includes an up-and-down tenure last season, where he struggled against left-handed batters. However, the reliever has turned his performance around in Triple-A, holding lefties to a .114 batting average this season.

“The number one goal is to find another guy or two that can go into leverage,” Thomson explained. The current relief roster includes pitchers like Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks, who may also face challenges with the absence of Alvarado.

Philadelphia’s lineup for the upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies includes Cristopher Sánchez starting against Colorado’s left-hander Kyle Freeland. Tornado Nelson, who is recovering from a right ankle sprain, traveled with the team but has not yet resumed throwing from the mound.