Phillies Predicted to Cut Ties With Breakout Rookie After Ugly Start
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The Philadelphia Phillies suffered another loss on Tuesday after briefly ending a five-game losing streak.
And after this latest defeat, the Phillies are suddenly facing some significant roster questions with the trade deadline just a few weeks away. Without Bryce Harper in the lineup, it seems clear the team needs some kind of offensive reinforcement, likely for the outfield. After late-inning relief struggles for Taijuan Walker, the team is even more sure to seek some bullpen help. And after breakout rookie Mick Abel came back to earth with an ugly start, the team has been predicted to make a drastic change with the rotation.
In his first two big-league starts, Abel went more than 11 innings while giving up just one run. But on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, he gave up three solo home runs and three walks in just four innings.
"Unless there's an injury to a starting pitcher, as currently with Aaron Nola, the Phillies do not have room to include Abel in their starting rotation regularly," Matt Grazel wrote for FanSided, predicting that Abel has sealed his "trade deadline fate" with the team. "This is the unfortunate cost of doing business for playoff-contending organizations such as the Phillies at the trade deadline."
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 08: President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to the media during the introductory press conference for Trea Turner at Citizens Bank Park on December 8, 2022...
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 08: President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to the media during the introductory press conference for Trea Turner at Citizens Bank Park on December 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) More
Leff/Getty
After an unfortunate injury setback, the Phillies could be without Nola until after the All-Star break. But that might not change the reality for Abel, who could be supplanted from the rotation by top-ranked prospect Andrew Painter at some point this season.
Given the Phillies' relative depth in the rotation and the team's clear need for an outfield upgrade and extra bullpen arms, Abel could be an intriguing yet expendable trade chip for the organization. As a result, his latest start could be one of his last with the Phillies.
More MLB: Red Sox Predicted to Land $34 Million Slugger in Blockbuster Trade With NL Contender
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