The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of talent in the minor leagues, setting the big league club up for success in the future or with trade assets. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, own the best record and run differential in the International League.
The IronPigs swept the Player of the Month awards for May in the International League. Right-hander Mick Abel was named the Pitcher of the Month and infielder Buddy Kennedy was recognized as the Player of the Month.
IronPigs Mick Abel, Buddy Kennedy both picked up Player of the Month Awards in May
Abel, now featured in the Phillies’ starting rotation with Aaron Nola recovering from injury, was dominant in four starts in May with the IronPigs. The 23-year-old was 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 15 strikeouts in his two starts before making his major league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After tossing six scoreless innings and picking up his first career win against Paul Skenes and the Pirates, Abel returned to Triple-A and made two more starts. He went 1-0, allowed just one earned run and recorded 16 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings.
Mick Abel has been named the @milb May International League Pitcher of the Month! Congrats Mick! pic.twitter.com/IpxdPAsxzT
https://twitter.com/IronPigs/status/1930656847368695814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Abel finished May 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA and 31 strikeouts, earning International League Pitcher of the Month honors. The Phillies’ top prospect is 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 14 strikeouts through his first three major league starts.
Kennedy battled for a roster spot with the Phillies during spring training, but ultimately began the season in Triple-A. The 26-year-old hit .260 in 77 at-bats during April, but he turned it up a notch in May.
Kennedy slashed .358/.426/.632 with eight doubles, six home runs and 24 RBIs in 95 at-bats during May for the IronPigs. He had the most hits in the league (34) for the month with the second-most total bases (60) and fourth-highest OPS (1.058). The right-handed hitter produced 12 multi-hit games, including a stretch of five consecutive games.
Buddy Kennedy has been named the @MiLB International Player of the Month!
He had the most hits in May (34), and was second in doubles (eight), RBI (24), and total bases (60). pic.twitter.com/d0aM516tAfhttps://twitter.com/IronPigs/status/1930656836941742532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1930656836941742532%7Ctwgr%5E051f72a0bd920d7f45b95ec0f84adb66bbd3f307%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthatballsouttahere.com%2Ffamiliar-names-help-phillies-farm-team-dominate-player-of-the-month-awards
Kennedy has played mostly first base for the IronPigs in 2025, but he’s also appeared at third base, second base and as the designated hitter. His versatility offers the organization depth between both the infield and the outfield if needed.
