LAKELAND, Fla. — Mick Abel dreamt on Saturday, like a whole lot of different individuals.
He pitched the primary two innings in a Spring Breakout exhibition between high Phillies prospects and high Tigers prospects at Publix Area at Joker Marchant Stadium. It was Abel’s first time taking part in with different Phils prospects reminiscent of Aidan Miller.
Possibly at some point they are going to play collectively once more within the massive leagues.
“It’s superior,” Abel mentioned. “That’s what this occasion is for. It’s waiting for the longer term. For us, it’s simply as thrilling because the followers getting to observe.”
Right here had been three notable prospect performances from the Phillies’ 5-1 loss:
He struck out Yankees star Juan Soto in a Grapefruit League recreation on Monday. Afterward, Abel was reassigned to Minor League camp, however solely as a result of he must prepare for the Triple-A season. Then, on Saturday, he allowed a house run within the first inning to high Tigers prospect Jace Jung earlier than settling in to strike out the facet within the second.
Abel has struck out 4 in 2 2/3 excellent innings in two Grapefruit League appearances. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, supervisor Rob Thomson and others had been impressed.
If Abel continues to progress at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he may push for an in-season promotion.
“It’s positively a objective; it’s positively nearby,” Abel mentioned. “The most important distinction this 12 months is that I do know the place my toes are at. In years previous, I considered promotions an excessive amount of. I put too lots of these varieties of expectations on myself. By sure dates, I must make sure ranges or no matter. However this 12 months I’ve received a really clear understanding of what I must do and who I have to be to get to that subsequent degree.”
It’s talked about that Abel is on the identical observe as many different highschool gamers chosen within the first spherical in 2020.
“I regarded within the mirror one too many occasions and I didn’t see something,” he mentioned. “I believe the final time I did it, I did see one thing. And I perceive what I noticed. It was a very simple image to see.”
Abel mentioned his improved mindset has helped him this spring.
“Even at the moment, a house run is a house run — it’s a solo shot,” Abel mentioned. “It was a fairly unhealthy pitch. After a low fastball, I threw him a low changeup. I assumed I’d change his velocity. However the whole lot is clicking proper now. All the pieces feels actually good mentally. I’m in a very good place. I’ve a whole lot of confidence.”
They consider he’s going to be a star with legit massive league energy. Miller, 19, hit a ball previous a drawn-in infield with one out within the first inning to plate the Phillies’ solely run. He additionally reached on catcher’s interference within the fourth and struck out wanting with the bases loaded within the sixth.
Miller fouled again a 96-mph fastball from Ty Madden to push the depend to 3-2 within the sixth.
“I simply missed that one,” he mentioned. “I needed that one again.”
He then took a 3-2 fastball for a known as third strike. Miller thought the pitch was low — and it seemed to be. However gamers solely realized earlier than the sport that they might use the ABS problem system and it slipped Miller’s thoughts till he left the batter’s field.
“Subsequent time,” he mentioned.
Miller performed 10 video games final season with the Gulf Coast League Phillies earlier than getting promoted to Single-A Clearwater, the place he’s anticipated to open this season. He hit his first skilled residence run for the Threshers within the postseason.
“The most important factor was studying learn how to gradual the sport down,” Miller mentioned. “The primary couple video games, it felt quick. It sped up on me just a little bit. Creating a very good routine helped that out.”
Miller has embraced the knowledge the Phillies have offered him since he joined the group. He’s studying his strengths and weaknesses on the plate, together with cold and warm zones.
“I like heaters,” he mentioned, smiling. “I believe all people would provide you with that reply. However I’m studying what pitches to put off of. If they begin center and find yourself away, lay off these. Discover ways to be skilled; have knowledgeable method.”
He reached on a swinging bunt single up the third-base line within the first, forcing Jung into an errant throw. Crawford stole second, then superior to 3rd on a gradual floor ball to shortstop Trei Cruz. He scored on Miller’s single to left.
“We will get used to this,” Crawford and Miller advised each other within the dugout.
Crawford, who is anticipated to open at Excessive-A Jersey Shore, hit an opposite-field single with two outs within the third. He walked within the sixth.