Abel (elbow) touched 97 mph in a 37-pitch live batting practice session Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
Abel said afterward that he felt "free and easy" in the session. The right-hander went on the 15-day injured list in late April with right elbow inflammation and then needed a cortisone injection after a setback with his triceps in early May. As long as Abel bounces back well Friday, he will throw either another live batting practice session next week or begin a rehab assignment. The 24-year-old looks to be tracking toward a return by late June.