The path to Abel's debut started in an exit meeting after last season. He was helped — and challenged — along the way by coach Caleb Cotham.

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 Phillies optioned Mick Abel back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday and recalled right-handed reliever Max Lazar.