Overview

• In his June 4 start at Toronto, Abel worked 5.1 innings, surrendered one earned run and three hits, issued zero walks and struck out two hitters.
• According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, he is the first pitcher in at least 125 seasons to post five or more innings, no walks and one or zero runs allowed in each of his first two major league appearances.
• Alejandro Kirk’s ninth-inning RBI single broke a 1-1 tie and handed the Phillies a 2-1 defeat despite Abel’s quality outing.
• Philadelphia’s rotation has been tested by Aaron Nola’s ankle injury and Zack Wheeler’s paternity leave, with Taijuan Walker filling the fifth starter role.
• The teams have split the first two games of the series and the Phillies will try to clinch the three-game set in Thursday’s finale.