ALLENTOWN, Pa. — After speaking to reporters following his electric, stunning major-league debut, Mick Abel walked through the Phillies’ clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park and into the first-base dugout. He spotted his family awaiting him on the field and met them to celebrate.

“Walking out of the dugout and seeing everybody standing there, it was a pretty heartfelt moment,” Abel said.

They took photos together. Then, Abel and his family went out for dinner at Steak 48, a fine-dining establishment at the corner of Broad and Spruce Streets in Philadelphia, before going back to their hotel.

Following his six-inning, scoreless performance to beat Paul Skenes and the Pirates last Sunday, May 18, Abel had time to soak in the moment. He didn’t travel with the rest of the Phillies to Colorado for their road series against the Rockies. Instead, he was heading back to Triple-A; his first appearance in the big leagues was only a spot start.

“The day after was funny, because it’s like, all right, just kind of have to move on now,” Abel said from the Lehigh Valley on Sunday, a week after his debut. “I can still think about it, but being forced to move on kind of put me back in my space here.”

Abel was in the midst of an impressive turnaround to start this season when the Phillies tabbed him to come up for an outing while in need of a starting pitcher for the day. He gave Philadelphia an incredible performance, but he had to return to the IronPigs right after.

Upon his arrival at Coca-Cola Park, Abel was greeted with congratulations from the Lehigh Valley coaches and players, along with a little bit of ribbing. It was time to get back to work.

Abel started on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Buffalo Bisons. IronPigs manager Anthony Contreras was a bit curious to see how the game would go for Abel coming off the emotions of his last one. Fortunately for Lehigh Valley, Abel fared quite well.

He didn’t quite have the adrenaline-boosted fastball he wielded in front of an announced crowd of 44,356 in Philadelphia, but he was still effective, fighting through some first-inning adversity to deliver six innings while allowing just one run.

“He just had the highest of highs in your career, and then six days later you’re back in Triple-A pitching,” Contreras said. “Tribute to him being a pro and taking every outing like he’s in the big leagues.”

Abel brought some lessons and words of encouragement back to Allentown, Pa., from his quick stint in the majors. The Phillies coaching staff and some of their starters all had the same message to Abel: Be Mick.

At some points in his career, like last season when he had a 6.46 ERA in Triple-A, Abel struggled to do that. He’d try to make changes and focus too much on mistakes. He didn’t trust his stuff enough.

“There was a handful of times where I’d be trying to do something that somebody told me to do,” Abel said. “I was trying to be a little bit perfectionist in that way, kind of catering towards what they want, but not really taking myself into account.”

Abel declined to specify who “they” were, simply stating that he let some “noise” get into his head. He worked hard to shift his mindset and emphasize the things he could control. He now cares more about his entire process of pitching rather than each individual result, which has led to more success overall.

“I could confidently say now I’m definitely back to who I am and how I like to pitch,” Abel said. “But there are definitely times in the past where I’ve done a little too much to appease others and try to be perfect.”

With Abel feeling like himself, he just needs to stick to his routine and stay ready for another major-league opportunity. He’s shown that he has the ability to pitch at that level, and another chance shouldn’t be that far away, whether that’s with the Phillies or another club after the trade deadline.

“He doesn’t have to change much,” Contreras said. “If he goes out and does what he’s done so far, he’s going to be in a good spot.”

Abel is wired to handle that challenge. While he’s appreciative of the shot he had with the Phillies and wants to make it back, he’s fine with where he’s at now. He’s going to compete and be prepared, no matter the stadium or crowd size. A taste of major-league life couldn’t change that.

“I probably am a little more motivated, but it’s not noticeable,” Abel said. “I work pretty hard to accomplish what I accomplish. I take a lot of pride in my work, so it’s the same thing.”