Philadelphia Phillies Starting Pitcher Mick Abel had a tremendous debut this afternoon at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out nine. It was the fourth-most strikeouts with no walks in an MLB debut over the last 125 years. Only Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Miller, and Bryce Miller have more strikeouts with no walks in a debut.
Abel is a highly touted prospect in Philadelphia’s farm system. He is the No. 8 overall prospect for the ballclub. Abel’s tremendous start helped him outduel Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher Paul Skenes and secure a 1-0 Philadelphia Phillies victory. Center Fielder Brandon Marsh grounded into a fielder’s choice for the only run of Sunday’s game. Will Abel pitch as well in his second career start?
Philadelphia Phillies Season Summary
Most strikeouts with no walks in MLB debut, last 125 seasons:
6/8/10 Stephen Strasburg: 14
5/2/23 Bryce Miller: 10
4/3/08 Johnny Cueto: 10
Today Mick Abel: 9
4/1/24 Shota Imanaga: 9
4/29/18 Nick Kingham: 9
9/4/16 Jose De Leon: 9
6/8/99 Dan Smith: 9
9/1/78 Sammy Stewart: 9Only… https://t.co/DgNhR2K9EU
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 18, 2025
It has been a strong start to the regular season for the Philadelphia Phillies. They are in second place in the National League East with a 28-18 record. Philadelphia’s offense has been respectable. They are seventh in batting average, 18th in home runs, and 10th in runs scored. Designated Hitter Kyle Schwarber has paced the team’s offense. He is second in the league in home runs and ninth in RBI.
Philadelphia’s pitching staff has been middling. They are 13th in ERA, 13th in WHIP, and leading the league in strikeouts. Starting Pitcher Zack Wheeler has been masterful in 2025. He is second in the league in strikeouts, fourth in WHIP, and 12th in opposing batting average.
Final Thoughts
The Philadelphia Phillies head on the road to begin a four-game set with the Colorado Rockies Monday evening. Even after Abel’s tremendous debut, it is unclear if he will remain in the big leagues or be sent back down to AAA. Regardless of his fate, he had a game he will never forget on Sunday.
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