The Philadelphia Phillies are making a change to their starting rotation, per MLB reporter Paul Casella. Mick Abel is set to start this Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Taijuan Walker will transition to the bullpen in a full-time high-leverage relief role, and the team will look elsewhere for any future spot starts.
This will mark Abel’s second big league start after an impressive debut on May 18 against the Pirates, where he threw six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and no walks. Abel is now guaranteed at least one more start this season.
Meanwhile, Aaron Nola remains on the injured list with no clear timeline for his return.
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
Report: Phillies Alter Rotation with Mick Abel’s Return
Top Pitching Prospect Returns to Majors
Mick Abel is enjoying a breakout season and is now back in the majors. In 10 Triple-A starts, he has compiled a 6-2 record with an impressive 2.21 ERA. His underlying metrics are strong as well, with a 3.56 FIP, a 2.58 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a 0.63 home runs allowed per nine innings rate, and a 1.23 WHIP. Opponents are hitting just .208 against him, with a .284 BABIP.
Notably, during his major league debut, Abel’s pitch velocity was higher across the board compared to his Triple-A averages in 2025—another encouraging sign as he makes his return to the Phillies’ rotation.
Veteran Moves Back To The Bullpen
Taijuan Walker’s move to the bullpen is part of the Phillies’ ongoing bullpen reshuffling. Seth Johnson has been added to the relief corps, taking over José Ruiz’s spot for now. Rather than waiting for Aaron Nola to return from the injured list, the Phillies have opted to adjust their rotation immediately.
Walker has posted a 2-4 record with a 3.53 ERA and one save over 10 appearances this season, along with a 3.50 FIP and a 2.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Unlike his earlier bullpen stint this year, Walker won’t be used in long relief—he’ll now serve in a high-leverage role moving forward.
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