Sat Sep 27 22:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Abel Returns to Philadelphia as Twin, Reflects on Phillies Tenure**

PHILADELPHIA – Mick Abel, the right-handed pitcher who made a splash in his major league debut with the Phillies earlier this season, will return to Citizens Bank Park this Saturday, but this time as a member of the Minnesota Twins. Abel is set to face his former team in what will be his final start of the season, marking a bittersweet homecoming for the young player.

Abel, a first-round pick by the Phillies in 2020, initially struggled in Triple-A but rebounded this year, earning a spot start against the Pirates where he shutout Pittsburgh for 6 innings. The performance was promising, but after five additional starts, Abel was traded to the Twins at the trade deadline in exchange for closer Jhoan Duran.

“I made a lot of really good relationships over there,” Abel said, acknowledging the difficulty of leaving the organization that had fostered his development.

Since the trade, Abel has split time between Triple-A St. Paul and the Twins, and his major league performances have been rocky. In three appearances, he has allowed 13 earned runs. However, with the Twins not in contention, the organization can provide Abel the opportunity for significant starts in the majors. Kody Clemens, a former teammate from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, believes Abel will find an opportunity in the rotation next year.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson echoed similar sentiments, stating, “He’s got really good stuff. He’s got a really bright future.”

Abel expressed excitement about returning to Philadelphia and seeing his former teammates. He noted he’s looking forward to watching the Phillies in the upcoming postseason, acknowledging his contribution to the team’s success earlier in the year.

Abel is set to face left-hander Ranger Suárez in Saturday’s game. “It’s really cool being back here,” Abel said. “It’s kind of a cool ending of the season.”

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