PHILADELPHIA The Phillies added three starting pitchers to their 40-man roster on Tuesday evening, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. The new additions are right-handers Mick Abel, Jean Cabrera, and Moiss Chace. The team is working to build as much starting pitching depth as possible ahead of Spring Training.



Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, pointed out that one of the key factors in the team's 51-51 record from June 8 through their NL Division Series exit against the Mets was the lack of a reliable No. 5 starter. While pitching prospect Andrew Painter could join the rotation at some point in 2025, it may not happen until later in the summer due to missing the last two seasons with an elbow injury and Tommy John surgery.



Abel, 23, was drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2020 draft. Though he has a lot of potential, his progress stalled this season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, partly due to struggles with command. This led to him falling off MLB Pipeline's top 100 prospects list. Abel posted a 3-12 record with a 6. 46 ERA in 24 starts with the IronPigs, striking out 117 batters while walking 78 in 108 2/3 innings. Over his Minor League career, Abel has accumulated 445 strikeouts and 220 walks in 375 innings.



"Some of Mick's challenges this year have been pretty well documented," said Phillies general manager Preston Mattingly on The Phillies Show last month https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com. "But I believe this will benefit him in the long term. He was only 22 and pitching at Triple-A, and theres a large gap in talent between Triple-A and the Majors these days. His adjustments, especially with Major League baseballs and ABS, are part of the growing process. "



Cabrera, 23, was named the Phillies' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2021, becoming the organization's first 19-year-old to win the award since Carlos Carrasco in 2006. Cabreras story is an inspiring one, as he was signed for just $10,000 during the 2019-2020 international signing period. This year, he went 5-4 with a 3. 86 ERA in 14 starts for Class A Jersey Shore, before being promoted to Double-A Reading, where he went 1-1 with a 5. 16 ERA in six appearances.



Chace, 21, came to the Phillies in a trade with Baltimore in exchange for left-hander Gregory Soto. This season, he went 5-4 with a 3. 59 ERA over 23 appearances with Class A Aberdeen, Jersey Shore, and Reading. "He has the tools to succeed at the big league level," Mattingly said. "His fastball is impressive, and he also has a sweeper, cutter, and changeup. The focus now is refining his skills, including his command and overall strike throwing. If he can improve on those areas, hell have a bright future. "



Both Abel and Chace were considered strong candidates to be added to the 40-man roster, while Cabrera was among several other possible choices, including Griff McGarry, Christian McGowan, Eiberson Castellano, and Tristan Garnett. All of these players are now eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft at the Winter Meetings in Texas next month Bryce Harper Jersey.



Additionally, the Phillies announced that right-hander John McMillon cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A, leaving the roster at 39 players. The 40-man roster could be further adjusted on Friday night when the team tenders contracts to players still under team control. Outfielder Austin Hays is one of the non-tender candidates.



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