While it makes sense, according to a recent report from The Athletic, the Phillies don't plan to make Abel a reliever. Instead, the Phillies could be viewing him as a trade chip or a starter. At this point, the Phillies have no plans to make him a reliever and like the momentum that he's shown as a starter.

The Philadelphia Phillies and their fans were treated to a historic performance on Sunday. Mick Abel, the once highly-touted pitching prospect before his struggles last year, tied the franchise record for most strikeout in a debut with nine against the Pittsburgh Pirates,

A day after his record-tying debut, Abel is back at Lehigh Valley, as planned, with bullpen help needed against the Rockies.