The Philadelphia Phillies have elected to alter their starting rotation, according to MLB reporter Paul Casella. Mick Abel will be starting this Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Taijuan Walker will move to the bullpen in a high-leverage role, remaining there full-time. If the Phillies need a spot starter, it will be someone else. Abel will be making his second major league start following his debut on May 18 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that outing, he pitched six scoreless innings, recording nine strikeouts while not walking an opposing batter. Abel will now get at least one additional big league start this season. Aaron Nola is currently on the injured list with a return date to be determined.
Mick Abel will join the rotation in Toronto this week.
Taijuan Walker will permanently switch to the bullpen for the Phillies.
— Paul Casella (@Paul_CasellaMLB) June 1, 2025
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Report: Phillies Alter Rotation with Mick Abel’s Return
Top Pitching Prospect Returns To Majors
Abel is in the midst of a career resurgence this season. In the minor leagues, he has a 6-2 record with a 2.21 ERA in 10 starts. Abel has a 3.56 FIP and a 2.58 K/BB rate in the minors this year, along with a 0.63 HR/9 allowed rate and a 1.23 WHIP at Triple-A. Opposing batters have a .208 average and a .284 BABIP against Abel in the minor leagues this season. He had a higher average velocity for all of his pitches in his major league debut than his average velocity at Triple-A in 2025.
Veteran Moves Back To The Bullpen
Walker moving back to the bullpen continues the bullpen shuffling the Phillies have been doing. Seth Johnson has taken the place of José Ruiz in the bullpen for the time being. The Phillies have elected to alter their rotation now instead of waiting until Nola returns. Walker has a 2-4 record with a 3.53 ERA, along with one save, in 10 outings this season. He has a 3.50 FIP and a 2.29 K/BB rate this year. Unlike his previous stint in the bullpen this season, Walker will not serve in a long relief role. Instead, he will be used as a high leverage relief pitcher going forward.
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