PHILADELPHIA -- Exciting times are brewing in Philly as Mick Abel is set to bolster the Phillies' starting rotation this Thursday against the Blue Jays up in Toronto. When you've got a team like the Phillies reshuffling the deck, there's always more to it than meets the eye.
Abel will take the mound in place of Taijuan Walker, who's been admirably stepping up for an injured Aaron Nola. Walker isn't disappearing, though—he's shifting gears to join the bullpen full time. Meanwhile, it's a shakeup in the bullpen as right-hander José Ruiz has been designated for assignment, with Seth Johnson stepping up to fill the void.
Now, Abel's return isn't just about giving a promising prospect another shot. There's a deeper strategy at play, especially with the Phillies' bullpen grappling with a 4.68 ERA that’s been dragging them down, ranking them 25th across Major League Baseball.
It's been a rocky road, especially considering José Alvarado's 80-game suspension, which really impacted their stats since he had a dazzling 2.70 ERA over 20 innings. Without his steady hand, that bullpen ERA jumps to a hefty 4.91.
Philadelphia’s manager, Rob Thomson, sees potential in Walker to be the linchpin that turns things around. "I have a lot of confidence in all those guys," Thomson says, pointing to Walker's potential to improve the bullpen dynamics. Even though Walker’s new to the leverage role, Thomson has big plans, envisioning him taking on more traditional bullpen duties rather than soaking up innings in long relief.
Thomson’s strategy hinges on maximizing Walker's potential over shorter stints. In his previous three-inning outings, Walker already displayed glimpses of his potential. Imagine what an inning of dialed-up intensity could bring.
Now firmly planted in the bullpen, Walker can focus his energy and refine his craft. Sure, Walker still sees himself as a starter deep down, but he's embracing his new role for the good of the team.
His recent tweak to his slider grip is just the kind of edge Walker needs to capitalize on this opportunity. "My goal is to help any way I can," Walker shared, exuding confidence.
"Knowing that I got one inning, just let it eat."
Seth Johnson is also on the Phillies' radar. A fresh face with plenty of upside, the club's No. 12 prospect is transitioning into relief after a previous spell in the rotation at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. While his 5.52 ERA in relief didn't exactly set the world on fire, 20 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings tells a different story, especially when you factor in a fastball that hits 99 mph.
Thomson sees promise, noting, "Johnson has been throwing the ball fairly well. The velocity has really spiked up since he's gone to the 'pen."
The challenge? Reining in his control.
With 21 walks over 33 innings, there's work to be done, but Johnson’s ready for the challenge.
Johnson knows what’s at stake. “I obviously want to help the team win a championship any way I can,” he says. It’s the attitude of a player ready to do whatever it takes.
Thursday poses yet another challenge as the Phillies will shuffle their roster to make way for Abel. Whether it’s sending Johnson back to Lehigh Valley or making a different move, only time will tell.
Abel’s future shines brightly as the Phillies work through the puzzle of Nola's recovery from a sprained right ankle. Nola’s been throwing bullpen sessions and is heading towards live batting practice, but the road to his return involves more steps, potentially even a Minor League rehab.
With the rotation in ebb and flow and a bullpen looking for resurgence, the Phillies are playing a savvy strategic game, ensuring they remain contenders this season. As Abel gets ready to deliver in Toronto, the countdown to seeing these moves pay off begins.
