Phillies Notebook: Mick Abel Set for MLB Debut as Aaron Nola Lands on IL

It was unrealistic to imagine the Philadelphia Phillies would play this season without a starting pitcher going on the injured list, but they are equipped to handle their latest ailment.

Aaron Nola Placed on Injured List with Ankle Sprain

The team has placed right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 15, with a right ankle sprain.  With the move, the Phillies will be calling up right-handed pitching prospect Mick Abel from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to pitch the final game of their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"He's just pitching so well," said Phillies manager Rob Thomson about the 23-year-old prospect.

It's only the second time Nola has been placed on the injured list since making his Major League debut in 2015, with the last time being in 2017 due to a strained lower back.

"He takes a lot of pride in getting 200 innings, getting his 30+ starts, being available for his teammates, that's what he's all about," Thomson said. "It's more of a lingering thing. We just want to make sure we take care of him now for the long run."

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NBC Sports Philadelphia (@nbcsphilly)

Abel, 23, was the team's 2020 first-round pick and No. 8 prospect. He has pitched well this season for Lehigh Valley with a 2.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 46.1 IP this season.

It's a spot start for Abel, who will pitch on Sunday, then be returned to Lehigh with Taijuan Walker starting in place of Nola on Wednesday.

How long will Aaron Nola be on the injured list?

Thomson said Nola hurt the ankle doing agility stuff in the outfield before his start in Cleveland, and thought the right-hander could pitch through the injury, but added he didn't think he could need much more than the 15 days to return to the rotation.

Nola only lasted 3.1 innings and allowed nine runs, on 12 hits in his last outing against St. Louis on Wednesday night, to drop to 1-7 with a 6.16 ERA and 1.51 WHIP this season.

"It's getting better. Before it turns into an elbow or a quad or a shoulder, it's best we shut him down right now," Thomson added. "I don't think this will be longer than the 15 days."

Nolais in Year 2 of a seven-year, $172 million contract that he signed in November of 2023.

Andrew Painter update

Phillies Prospect Moises Chace Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

Chance was pitching at Double-A Reading, making six starts with a 3.24 ERA  and 19 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched.