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 San Diego Padres visit the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday for the second game of their 3-game series and the first of their doubleheader.

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