Phillies reassigns Abel, McGarry and others to the minor league camp that originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phillies optioned right-handed pitcher James McArthur to Triple A ahead of Sunday’s spring training against the Blue Jays and optioned six other right-handers, including Mick Abel and Griff McGarry, to the minor league camp.
Abel, McGarry, Andrew Baker, Francisco Morales, Jon Duplantier and Billy Sullivan were the reassigned pitchers. MLB.com has Abel and McGarry as the Phillies’ No. 2 and 3 prospects behind Andrew Painter, who is currently sidelined with a sprained elbow and will not pitch for another three weeks.
Baker and Morales are two of the Phils’ top assist prospects. Baker has a three-digit fastball, while Morales has found success with his slider. One or both may be in Philadelphia this season. Baker turns 24 later this month and Morales is 23. McGarry could also be a mid to late season bullpen option.
McArthur (6-7/230) played in five games this spring and gave up three runs in five innings while striking out six. A 2018 12th round pick from the University of Mississippi, McArthur made 13 starts with Double A Reading last season, posting a 5.05 ERA with 65 strikeouts and 26 walks in 57 at bats.
Duplantier is a 28-year-old with 19 games big league-experience with the Diamondbacks in 2019 and 2021. He started seven games in those two seasons. The Phillies signed him to a minor league deal on January 4, but he has not appeared in spring training due to a hamstring injury.
Sullivan sniffed 77 in 51 at Double A last year.
The Phillies also optioned outfielders Jhailyn Ortiz and Simon Muzziotti to Triple A and Johan Rojas to Double A after Sunday’s game. Defensively, Muzziotti and Rojas are both major league ready and could play a role for the Phillies sometime in 2023 if Brandon Marsh misses time.
