Phillies Demote Abel, Walker Fills Rotation Spot

The Philadelphia Phillies have demoted rookie pitcher Mick Abel to Triple-A after he struggled in recent starts, raising his ERA to 5.04. Taijuan Walker will move from a bullpen role back into the starting rotation to cover for Abel through at least the All-Star break, when the team will reassess its pitching staff. Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter remains sidelined through the break as he recovers from injury, further delaying his MLB debut. The rotation is anchored by Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez, while Aaron Nola remains on the injured list. Despite outfield struggles and player concerns over playing time, the Phillies maintain their NL East lead and boast one of MLB's top rotations. The team continues to balance performance with player health as it eyes a postseason run.