Abel pitched six innings of five-hit ball with nine strikeouts and zero earned runs in his debut May 18 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was sent back down to the minors shortly after because of the nature of the spot-start, but he returned in early June and wasn't the same pitcher.

The Philadelphia Phillies demoted rookie right-hander Mick Abel, who has struggled since he struck out nine in his major league debut, to Triple-A Lehigh Valley

Pitcher Mick Abel has been optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley, the Phillies announced Friday. Abel went 11 innings without allowing a run to start his major league career, but since then, his ERA has risen to 5.

Considering his stature as one of baseball’s best pitchers and the fact this year’s All-Star Game is in his hometown of Atlanta, Wheeler would make sense as a potential All-Star Game starter.

Phillies prospect Andrew Painter was named to the All-Star Futures Game on Monday, but the team says he isn't going to pitch.