ARLINGTON -- While the Twins were enjoying one of their best nights of the year in a 12-2 win against the Rangers, they got some more good news from about 850 miles to the north.
Rehabbing right-hander Mick Abel turned in a strong outing for Triple-A St. Paul, looking an awful lot like a pitcher who might make his next start for the Major League club instead of in the Minors. Abel tossed five strong innings for St. Paul on a tidy 61 pitches, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits, striking out five with zero walks.
He was still hitting 96 mph in his final inning, and while no announcement has been made, it would not be shocking to see him start either Sunday in Phoenix or Monday at home.
Abel has been out since mid-April after suffering right elbow inflammation.
The Twins have been using rookie Mike Paredes as a bulk pitcher, sometimes starting and sometimes following an opener. Paredes started Monday, and with an off-day for the club on Wednesday, it could easily line up well for Abel to make his next start in the rotation slot that Paredes has been occupying.
Abel, acquired last summer from the Phillies in the trade that sent Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia, has a 3.98 ERA in four appearances (three starts) for the Twins this year. He was the team’s best pitcher in Spring Training and he turned in back-to-back exceptional outings before he hit the injured list.