Phillies Activate Mick Abel as Zack Wheeler Welcomes New Baby

Philadelphia, PA — The Philadelphia Phillies placed pitcher Zack Wheeler on the paternity list Wednesday to activate rookie right-hander Mick Abel for his second big-league start in Toronto. Wheeler and his wife, Dominique, are expecting their fourth child. This announcement comes after Wheeler’s start on Tuesday was pushed back due to the impending birth.

The Phillies, currently on a road trip, are scheduled to face the Blue Jays on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Pittsburgh for a weekend series. It remains unclear when Wheeler will return to the mound.

Mick Abel made a strong impression in his MLB debut on May 18, where he pitched six scoreless innings and struck out nine batters against the Pirates. After that performance, Abel was sent back to the minors when the Phillies reintroduced Taijuan Walker to their rotation. However, with Walker now moved to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, Abel steps in to fill a rotation spot until Aaron Nola returns from an ankle injury.

Nola has been on the injured list since May 15 but is scheduled to face hitters during live batting practice Thursday, suggesting he may be close to a return. Abel’s success could be pivotal; he didn’t allow any walks in his MLB debut but struggled with walks in the minors, making control an essential focus.

In his initial start, Abel showcased his velocity, reaching 96-97 mph on his fastball, while his curveball was effective, holding opponents to 0-for-9 in at-bats that ended with it. The upcoming challenge against a stronger Blue Jays lineup features players like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Meanwhile, Bryce Harper returned to the Phillies lineup and contributed significantly in an 8-3 victory against Toronto, hitting his ninth home run of the season. He noted the impact of a healthy roster on team performance, mentioning how the lineup falls into place when he plays alongside other key players.

Despite missing five games due to an elbow injury, Harper demonstrated readiness to return. He wore a new elbow guard to help protect against further injury during his at-bats.

The Phillies currently hold a record of 37-23 and aim to bounce back from a recent losing streak. Abel and fellow pitcher Jesus Luzardo are expected to take the mound in the coming games, making these performances crucial for the team’s playoff aspirations.