The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to demote pitcher Mick Abel after two rough outings. Abel has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and Seth Johnson has been recalled. This season Abel has a 2-2 record with a 5.04 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP in six major league starts. Abel recorded a 17.36 ERA and a 2.79 WHIP across his last two starts. Overall, this season, Abel has a 2.33 K/BB rate in the majors. In his last two starts, Abel has a 0.80 K/BB rate. Abel had been filling in for the injured Aaron Nola. The earliest Nola can be activated from the injured list is July 14. Johnson has a 2.25 ERA and a 0.50 WHIP in two major league outings this season. To add, Johnson has a 2.00 K/BB rate.
Phillies Demote Pitcher
The Immediate Rotation Impact
Taijuan Walker will make a spot start on July 7 against the San Francisco Giants. In addition, Walker had previously been moved to the bullpen for the long run. At the time, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Walker would not be a spot starter. However, that has now changed. According to multiple reports, the Phillies will reevaluate the fifth spot in the rotation after the All-Star break. Nola could be back by then, which would mean Walker would be making a lone spot start. There is also a scenario where Nola is not ready to go when the Phillies come back from the All-Star break. Additional spot starts would be necessary in this scenario.
Top Prospect Awaiting Promotion Could Be An Option
The Phillies have stated that July is likely when Andrew Painter will make his major league debut, unless circumstances change. Painter has a 3-4 record with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 14 minor league starts this season. Furthermore, Painter has a 3.20 K/BB rate. If Nola is not back after the All-Star break, Painter could be called upon to start. However, Painter has struggled in Triple-A this season. Painter has a 4.57 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP in 10 outings. To add, Painter has a 2.74 K/BB rate in Triple-A. The Phillies have other options if they decide to tap into their minor league depth at that time. Johnson did make a start for the Phillies last year as well.
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