ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Mick Abel, the former Phillies first-round draft pick, couldn’t hold back his smile when asked about his new neighbor in the Coca-Cola Park clubhouse.
The right-hander’s locker is right next to the one occupied by Garrett Stubbs, the fan-favorite veteran catcher who’s starting the season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Abel, 23, pitched for the IronPigs last year and has not been able to find his footing during his time in the Phillies’ system. He’ll help welcome Stubbs to his new home as they both strive for a positive season and an eventual call to Philadelphia.