Abel pitched six innings of five-hit ball with nine strikeouts and zero earned runs in his debut May 18 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was sent back down to the minors shortly after because of the nature of the spot-start, but he returned in early June and wasn't the same pitcher.

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The Phillies optioned Mick Abel and recalled Seth Johnson ahead of their series vs. the Reds, managing bullpen depth during a tough schedule.