Five walks in 1 2/3 innings — the first Phillies starter to do that since 1998 — will only prompt larger questions about where Abel fits.

Phillies righthander Mick Abel gave one free pass after another to the San Diego Padres in a 6-4 loss in Wednesday’s opener of a twilight doubleheader Abel walked five batters and lasted just 1.2 innings.

One strike. That was all Mick Abel needed. One measly strike, one pitch anywhere close to the zone, and Abel might’ve sidestepped trouble Wednesday, two innings into the Phillies’ day-night doubleheader against the Padres.

The Philadelphia Phillies made a decision on Bryce Harper before the series finale against the San Diego Padres.

The Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres will play two after a Tuesday night rainout with getaway day for the Padres now becoming a day-night doubleheader.

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.