Paul

McIntosh

No real surprises here as Johnson had an option year remaining, Johnson managed a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 innings during Spring Training, striking out eight. He’ll likely be shuttled back to the majors several times over the course of the season.

Abel, who just made his spring debut in giving up three earned runs in 1 2/3 innings versus Boston today, was one of the premier pitching prospects in baseball just two years ago, but wound up stalling out in the upper minors, and has yet to reach the big leagues. The 23-year-old was added to Philadelphia’s 40-man roster during the offseason and figures to reach the majors at some point this season if injuries strike the rotation.

The Phillies face the possibility of losing the out-of-options Rafael Marchán if they don’t carry him as their backup catcher over Garrett Stubbs, so some extra depth is welcome. McIntosh, 27, has a decent enough bat, but he hasn’t proven strong enough defensively to earn consideration for backup gigs yet. He was passed over in the Rule 5 draft earlier this month.