With 12 more days of Spring Training action remaining before the Phillies pack up and head north, the Phillies are continuing to thin out players in the Major League camp. Following the Phillies’ strong 18-8 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, the Phillies optioned right-handed Mick Abel to AAA Lehigh Valley. They reassigned catcher Paul McIntosh, infielder Otto Kemp, and outfielders Matt Kroon and Gabriel Rincones Jr. to the Minor League camp.
Abel and Rincones recently clocked in as the No. 8 and No. 10 top prospects in the Phillies’ system per MLB.com. Otto Kemp was also named the No. 23 prospect in the organization’s rankings.
Phillies Option Mick Abel
In recent years, Mick Abel has lined up more and more to be an important bullpen piece for the Phillies down the line as opposed to a starting pitcher role. In his first appearance of the Spring on Tuesday against the Red Sox, Abel played into that narrative. In 1.2 innings of work, Abel allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and one walk.
In all likelihood, Abel’s relegation to Lehigh was predetermined before he set foot on the mound today, but the timing can’t go unnoticed. Now on the 40-man roster, Abel will likely make a few relief appearances this year for the Phillies, but for now, the former top-three prospect will be left to continue working on his pitch command.
Uncle Rico’s Spring Wraps Up
Gabriel Rincones Jr. made the start as well before being moved to the Minor League camp. Uncle Rico was 0-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored on the day. While the walks were promising, Rincones’ average dipped to .227 in the spring. The outfielder does have three home runs on 22 at-bats, but he only has five total hits, slotting him in the same vein as Kyle Schwarber.
Bushels of Humming Palindromes
The remaining trio of batters to be optioned today are less likely to see Major League action this season but will continue to improve in hopes of one day making it to the Show. Bryce Harper stated on the broadcast over the weekend that Matt Kroon has impressed him this spring, which bodes well for his future. Kroon batted .263 over 19 at-bats in the spring, notching one home run in the process. Harper famously helped the Phillies scout Jeff Hoffman and we all know how that turned out.
Kemp, meanwhile, gives positional flexibility in the infield having played both second and third base. His .350 average and 1.058 OPS over 20 games this spring will also leave a good impression on Rob Thomson moving forward. Paul McIntosh was 0-for-8 on his spring but, could prove as good utility should the Phillies have a few injuries at catcher in the future.
More to Come
The Phillies have an off day on Wednesday before continuing with their final 12 days of action to wrap up Spring Training. After a few games without broadcasting, the Phillies can look forward to hearing Tom McCarthy and the crew broadcast their game against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday at 1:05 p.m.
Mandatory Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images
