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New York Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Mick Abel gives the Phillies some stability amid the chaos in Toronto
TORONTO — By the end of it, there was chaos everywhere — concern for J.T. Realmuto after taking a foul ball to his groin, further consternation about Jordan Romano's place in all of this, and lament for a failed bases-loaded opportunity in the middle of the game. And, in the corner of the visitors clubhouse at Rogers Centre after a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, Mick Abel represented something stable for the Phillies. Advertisement No pitcher in 125 years of Major League Baseball had begun his career with two starts that consisted of at least five innings, no walks and one or zero runs allowed. Abel did it. He did not throw with the massive adrenaline bump he experienced during his big-league debut last month. But he pitched into the sixth. 'I wouldn't say I had my greatest stuff today,' Abel said. 'I didn't have my A-plus stuff today. So, going as long as I did and feeling how I did, I think I did a pretty good job.' That was something; the Phillies needed something because there was too much to digest. Realmuto was in serious pain during the ninth inning and had to leave. The team did not provide any updates on the severity of Realmuto's injury; the catcher was seen gingerly walking in the clubhouse afterward. The delay only intensified the ninth-inning drama. Jeff Hoffman, who went from the Phillies to the Blue Jays in the offseason, earned the win by getting the final out in the top of the ninth. Romano, the native Canadian son jettisoned by the Blue Jays, took the loss for the Phillies when Alejandro Kirk crushed a 97 mph fastball off the wall for a run-scoring single. Romano, who had spent more than 30 minutes before Wednesday's game acknowledging various Blue Jays fans who welcomed him back, hunched over on the mound. He put his hands on his knees as his former Toronto teammates celebrated on the infield. It was too poetic. 'Definitely a lot of emotion coming here,' Romano said. 'Got on the mound focused. I felt good. Stuff felt good. Obviously, not good enough.' Without his best stuff, Abel survived. He is here to stay — perhaps longer than expected. The Phillies created a rotation opening by shifting Taijuan Walker to the bullpen. Abel will have a spot so long as Aaron Nola is sidelined, and there is a chance Nola's absence will be extended. The Phillies paused plans for Nola to throw a live session to hitters Thursday afternoon at Rogers Centre because he felt soreness in his right side. 'Very mild,' Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. Nola described the decision to halt his throwing program as 'precautionary' and did not express much concern. Advertisement But he is going to need more time. Nola said his injured right ankle is feeling much better. But he's also been sick; an illness has spread through the clubhouse. Nola could need two minor-league rehab outings whenever he reaches that point in his recovery. That means more runway for Abel. 'I think it's the same thing,' Abel said. 'My job is to go out there and pitch every fifth day. And if that changes, that changes. I'm going to do the same thing every day throughout the week in order to prepare for those starts. Mentally, I think I'm in a really good spot right now. Not trying to ride the highs too high or really lull in the lulls. It's just trying to stay neutral the whole time.' Abel pitched Wednesday on four days' rest, only the second time in his professional career he has done that. The Phillies planned for him to have an extra day, but Zack Wheeler left the team to be with his wife, who is expecting this week. The team is unsure when Wheeler will make his next start; if he's not ready by Saturday, they will have to do a bullpen game. Knowing that Abel was in uncharted water, the Phillies did not plan to push him. But he kept throwing strikes; he fired first-pitch ones to 13 of the 19 batters he faced. Abel has yet to walk a batter in the majors. His 11 1/3 innings without a walk are the longest to begin a Phillies career since Carlton Loewer went 12 walkless innings in 1998. He began the sixth inning at 66 pitches. His command wavered. He allowed a one-out single to Andrés Giménez. Thomson let Abel face Bo Bichette for a third time. Bichette worked a 3-0 count, then took a huge hack at a 92 mph sinker. Brandon Marsh could not reach it in the left-center field gap. It was a run-scoring triple — the first big-league run Abel allowed. That ended his night. He has shown more conviction on the mound than the Phillies could have imagined. 'It's kind of clicked for him, you know?' Thomson said. 'He's been around now for a few years, and I think he's learned a lot. He's confident in his stuff. He understands now to attack hitters and trust his stuff, and that goes a long way.' There would have been less scrutiny on Romano in the ninth had the Phillies scored more runs. They missed a great chance in the fifth when Bryson Stott popped out and Trea Turner flied out with the bases loaded. The bullpen held — Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks preserved the tie. If anything, the Phillies are worried about Romano having a backbreaking weakness. Opponents have stolen nine bases against him this season, already tied for Romano's season high. The Blue Jays know him well; they were going to exploit it. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had two steals since the beginning of last season, took second base on Romano despite the pitcher trying a slide-step delivery. Advertisement He was still too slow. 'It's kind of part of Jordy's game a little bit; you can see him try to be a little bit quicker,' Toronto manager John Schneider said. 'We talked about that with him for a long time. Good job by Vlad recognizing it.' Thomson said Romano has improved his times to the plate. 'But, still, we have ways to go here,' Thomson said. Is it something Romano can fix? 'I hope so,' Thomson said. 'Yeah.' Quality starting pitching fixes most things. Abel's performance was not the eye-popping type from his debut, but it was just as impressive given the circumstances. He is, for now, one less thing to stress. 'Just trying to go out there and win,' Abel said. 'It's the most important thing. I don't know if it's really a mentality shift or what. But I've felt good.'
New York Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Mick Abel gives Phillies stability on chaotic night in Toronto
TORONTO — By the end of it, there was chaos everywhere — concern for J.T. Realmuto after taking a foul ball to his groin, further consternation about Jordan Romano's place in all of this, and lament for a failed bases-loaded opportunity in the middle of the game. And, in the corner of the visitors clubhouse at Rogers Centre after a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, Mick Abel represented something stable for the Philadelphia Phillies. Advertisement No pitcher in 125 years of Major League Baseball had begun his career with two starts that consisted of at least five innings, no walks and one or zero runs allowed. Abel did it. He did not throw with the massive adrenaline bump he experienced during his big-league debut last month. But he pitched into the sixth. 'I wouldn't say I had my greatest stuff today,' Abel said. 'I didn't have my A-plus stuff today. So, going as long as I did and feeling how I did, I think I did a pretty good job.' That was something; the Phillies needed something because there was too much to digest. Realmuto was in serious pain during the ninth inning and had to leave. The team did not provide any updates on the severity of Realmuto's injury; the catcher was seen gingerly walking in the clubhouse afterward. The delay only intensified the ninth-inning drama. Jeff Hoffman, who went from the Phillies to the Blue Jays in the offseason, earned the win by getting the final out in the top of the ninth. Romano, the native Canadian son jettisoned by the Blue Jays, took the loss for the Phillies when Alejandro Kirk crushed a 97 mph fastball off the wall for a run-scoring single. Romano, who had spent more than 30 minutes before Wednesday's game acknowledging various Blue Jays fans who welcomed him back, hunched over on the mound. Romano put his hands on his knees as his former Toronto teammates celebrated on the infield. It was too poetic. 'Definitely a lot of emotion coming here,' Romano said. 'Got on the mound focused. I felt good. Stuff felt good. Obviously, not good enough.' Another strong showing from Mick! — Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 5, 2025 Without his best stuff, Abel survived. He is here to stay — perhaps longer than expected. The Phillies created a rotation opening by shifting Taijuan Walker to the bullpen. Abel will have a spot so long as Aaron Nola is sidelined, and there is a chance Nola's absence will be extended. The Phillies paused plans for Nola to throw a live session to hitters Thursday afternoon at Rogers Centre because he felt soreness in his right side. 'Very mild,' Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. Nola described the decision to halt his throwing program as 'precautionary' and did not express much concern. Advertisement But he is going to need more time. Nola said his ankle is feeling much better. But he's also been sick; an illness has spread through the clubhouse. Nola could need two minor-league rehab outings whenever he reaches that point in his recovery. That means more runway for Abel. 'I think it's the same thing,' Abel said. 'My job is to go out there and pitch every fifth day. And if that changes, that changes. I'm going to do the same thing every day throughout the week in order to prepare for those starts. Mentally, I think I'm in a really good spot right now. Not trying to ride the highs too high or really lull in the lulls. It's just trying to stay neutral the whole time.' Abel pitched Wednesday on four days' rest, only the second time in his professional career he has done that. The Phillies planned for him to have an extra day, but Zack Wheeler left the team to be with his wife, who is expecting this week. The team is unsure when Wheeler will make his next start; if he's not ready by Saturday, they will have to do a bullpen game. Knowing that Abel was in uncharted territory, the Phillies did not plan to push him. But he kept throwing strikes; he fired first-pitch ones to 13 of the 19 batters he faced. Abel has yet to walk a batter in the majors. His 11 1/3 innings without a walk are the longest to begin a Phillies career since Carlton Loewer went 12 walkless innings in 1998. He began the sixth inning at 66 pitches. His command wavered. He allowed a one-out single to Andrés Giménez. Thomson let Abel face Bo Bichette for a third time. Bichette worked a 3-0 count, then took a huge hack at a 92 mph sinker. Brandon Marsh could not reach it in the left-center field gap. It was a run-scoring triple — the first big-league run Abel allowed. That ended his night. He has shown more conviction on the mound than the Phillies could have imagined. Advertisement 'It's kind of clicked for him, you know?' Thomson said. 'He's been around now for a few years, and I think he's learned a lot. He's confident in his stuff. He understands now to attack hitters and trust his stuff, and that goes a long way.' There would have been less scrutiny on Romano in the ninth had the Phillies scored more runs. They missed a great chance in the fifth when Bryson Stott popped out and Trea Turner flied out with the bases loaded. The bullpen held — Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks preserved the tie. If anything, the Phillies are worried about Romano having a backbreaking weakness. Opponents have stolen nine bases against him this season, already tied for Romano's season high. The Blue Jays know him well; they were going to exploit it. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had two steals since the beginning of last season, took second base on Romano despite the pitcher trying a slide-step delivery. He was still too slow. 'It's kind of part of Jordy's game a little bit; you can see him try to be a little bit quicker,' Toronto manager John Schneider said. 'We talked about that with him for a long time. Good job by Vlad recognizing it.' Thomson said Romano has improved his times to the plate. 'But, still, we have ways to go here,' Thomson said. Is it something Romano can fix? 'I hope so,' Thomson said. 'Yeah.' Quality starting pitching fixes most things. Abel's performance was not the eye-popping type from his debut, but it was just as impressive given the circumstances. He is, for now, one less thing to stress. 'Just trying to go out there and win,' Abel said. 'It's the most important thing. I don't know if it's really a mentality shift or what. But I've felt good.'
Associated Press
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto leaves game after being hit in area of protective cup by foul tip
TORONTO (AP) — Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto left Wednesday's game at Toronto in the bottom of the ninth inning after being hit in the area of his protective cup by Bo Bichette's foul tip. 'He's getting checked by the doctor right now,' manager Rob Thomson said of Realmuto after the Phillies lost 2-1 on Alejandro Kirk's game-ending hit. 'It's a pretty good one. He said he's had worse but we'll see. We'll check him out tomorrow.' Realmuto immediately fell forward and stayed down for a few minutes after being struck on the second pitch of the inning. 'That's something you never want to see,' Phillies pitcher Mick Abel said. 'I don't really know how it feels but I can imagine it's extremely painful.' Thomson said Realmuto did not leave the stadium to receive medical attention. The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove award winner was in Philadelphia's clubhouse following the game. Realmuto eventually got to his feet and walked gingerly off the field. He was replaced by Rafael Marchán. 'J.T. is a tough guy,' said Jordan Romano, who was on the mound when Realmuto was hit. 'Seeing him go down like that, obviously it had to hurt pretty good. Just hope he's all right.' Realmuto entered play Wednesday batting .225 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. He went 1 for 3 before exiting. ___ AP MLB:
National Post
15 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
Alejandro Kirk delivers Blue Jays' walk-off win off former teammate Jordan Romano
Article content The night was short on runs, but high drama set in Wednesday as the Blue Jays and visiting Phillies battled in the second game of their three-game series. Article content A homer fueled Philadelphia's run, while the Blue Jays were bolstered by a triple to draw even. Article content Article content Games of this nature that only get tighter the deeper the evening goes are nothing new to the Blue Jays, who either step up in the biggest of moments or succumb to an opponent. Article content Article content Make no mistake because this loomed as a big series for the Blue Jays and an even bigger game as it turned out given the horrific events of the series opener. Article content To add spice to the evening, a battle of closers would ensue with Jeff Hoffman being summoned from the bullpen with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. Article content Jordan Romano entered the game for the visitors to begin the bottom of the inning as the Markham native faced his former team for the first time. Article content It made for a compelling ending, one of the best of the season and arguably one of the best played games, despite the lack of scoring. Article content When Alejandro Kirk hit his walk-off single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth off Romano, no one will remember the paucity of runs. Article content What they'll remember is Kirk's heroics in helping the Jays to their 2-1 win. Article content The following are three takeaways on a night Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled in the ninth to extend his on-base streak to 34 games and promptly stole second base before crossing home plate to score the game-winning run. Article content Article content Article content At least Jose Berrios got out of the first inning without yielding six runs, a fate that befell embattled Bowden Francis, who couldn't even make it out of the second inning Tuesday night.
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
A school board's alleged resistance to equity initiatives + Economists expect BOC to hold interest rate
Good morning. This is the Wednesday, June 4 edition of First Up, the Star's daily morning digest. Sign up to get it earlier each day, in your inbox. The Ford government wants schools to celebrate Ontario Day every June 1. What that will entail is theirs to discover. Here's the latest on a lawsuit against Peel District School Board, how heat is making Ontario workplaces more dangerous, and the Bank of Canada's interest rate decision coming later this morning. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW DON'T MISS Peel school board's former anti-discrimination leader is suing for wrongful dismissal Poleen Grewal is taking PDSB to court for $7.5 million. Here's what she alleges. Shree Paradkar: Human rights complaint filed against Peel school board by its anti-discrimination head Hot days are making Ontario's workplaces more dangerous – and sometimes deadly These graphics show how critical workplace injuries spike on the hottest days of the year. Nearly half of Canadian low- and moderate-income renters surveyed lack air conditioning Economists expect the Bank of Canada to hold the interest rate today Despite rising unemployment, some economists think the bank should lower the interest rate. Here's why. Donald Trump signs order to double tariffs on steel and aluminum starting Wednesday Toronto-area home prices drop 4 per cent as May marks another near-record low for sales WHAT ELSE Investigators responded to reports of the shooting near Flemington Road and Zachary Court just before 8:40 p.m. mendes, elissa One person is dead and five others are injured after a shooting in North York. Meanwhile, police are expected to give an update today about the Scarborough pub mass shooting. A government adviser slammed Mark Carney for promoting 'decarbonized' oil pipelines. Here's why. Ever wanted health care with your rental agreement? This developer is offering just that. Are you fed up with your commute? Edward Keenan has a solution for you. Hazy with a chance of ash? Here's what wildfire season means for Toronto's air quality. Ontario patients wait on average 120 days for surgery. Here's how we could cut that time down. Heather Mallick asked AI to write a column for her, by her. Here's what happened. 'Clueless' is 30 — as if! — but what this movie did for 'girlie art' is forever. Twenty years later, 'Brokeback Mountain' remains a miracle. Here's why. Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers: Here's everything you need to know about the Stanley Cup Final. The Sceptres left Sarah Nurse exposed ahead of the PWHL expansion draft. Here's who was protected. POV Someone is listening when we make disparaging comments about women in response to the Sean Combs trial. CLOSE UP Former Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jordan Romano tips his hat after he is honoured at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Steve Russell Getty Images ROGERS CENTRE: He's back! Former Toronto Blue Jay pitcher Jordan Romano was honoured at the ballpark yesterday for his return to Rogers Centre with his new team, the Philadelphia Phillies. Here's how he spent the day back in the city. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at firstup@ I will see you back here tomorrow. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.
