Sat Jun 21 23:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Phillies’ Abel Bounces Back, Leads Team to Victory Amid Nola’s Injury**

**MIAMI, FL** – In a crucial series opener against the Miami Marlins Monday night, Philadelphia Phillies rookie pitcher Mick Abel delivered a strong performance, leading his team to a 5-2 victory and extending their winning streak to five games. The outing was a significant rebound for the 23-year-old, especially with veteran Aaron Nola sidelined due to a stress fracture in his right ribs.

Abel (2-0), making his fourth start of the season, pitched five innings, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk, while striking out three. The performance was particularly timely, as the Phillies are navigating the absence of Nola, who is on the injured list for the first time in eight years.

“It was just realizing you’re here to execute,” Abel said postgame, reflecting on his composure. “Just breathe through the moment a little bit more, and don’t speed up and try to do too much. … Just refocus.”

The game started positively for the Phillies, with Trea Turner hitting a leadoff home run. Abel cruised through the first inning, but faced adversity in the second, allowing a run and loading the bases before Bryson Stott made a stellar diving catch to end the threat. Abel then settled in, pitching clean third and fourth innings and escaping the fifth with minimal damage.

Manager Rob Thomson praised Abel’s ability to bounce back from the tough second inning. “The second inning, [Abel] got in some trouble, and worked out of it. And then went right back out in the third – and third, fourth and fifth [innings] he gave us three good innings.”

Abel’s journey to the majors hasn’t been without its bumps. After being drafted in the first round in 2020, he struggled with Triple-A Lehigh last year. However, he started 2025 on a tear, earning Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors in April and dominating the International League before his call-up on June 4.

The Phillies offense added insurance runs with a solo homer from Max Kepler in the fourth, an RBI single from Turner in the seventh, and a bases-loaded single from Alec Bohm in the ninth.

Abel has impressed in his first four starts, throwing at least five innings while allowing no more than one run in three of them. “His first two [starts] were excellent,” Thomson said. “The third one, he had some long innings, but still kept his composure… and then tonight, again he has a second inning where he’s got traffic, he gets out of it, and then he settles right back in.”

Abel’s continued success is not only a boost for the young pitcher but also provides a much-needed lift for the Phillies as they navigate Nola’s absence.

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