No matter how it turned out, Sunday was destined to be an unforgettable day for Mick Abel. It wound up being historic. Abel struck out nine batters, tying Curt Simmons’ 78-year-old Phillies record for a pitcher in his major league debut,

The Phillies have an abundance of starting pitching. They might have to turn one of those arms into a short-term reliever.

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado has been suspended by MLB for 80 games without pay after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, the league announced Sunday.

Mick Abel stayed under control in his major league debut. Abel outdueled Paul Skenes, striking out nine over six innings to lead Philadelphia over the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 for a three-game sweep and the Phillies’ 15th win in 20 games.

Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, the Tigers just keep winning, Wilmer Flores is an RBI machine, Torey Lovullo appreciates a lost art, Cal Quantrill goes immaculate, and the disappointing Orioles make a change in the dugout.

Abel matched a 78-year-old team record with nine strikeouts in his debut. How does his showing compare to other memorable first starts in Phillies history?

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

SportsLine's Mike McClure, a daily Fantasy pro with over $2 million in winnings, gives optimal MLB DFS lineup advice for Monday, May 19

The 23-year-old righty, who has a 2.53 ERA at triple-A Lehigh Valley, will be opposed by Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes.