The Philadelphia Phillies released right-hander Mark Appel on Monday. The former No. 1 overall pick back in 2013 finally made his big-league debut last year and allowed two earned runs on nine hits while walking three and striking out five in 10 1/3 innings over six relief appearances. However, he dealt with right elbow inflammation at the end of 2022 and really struggled in his six appearances in spring training before the Phillies cut him loose. The 31-year-old will now try to latch on with another organization before the start of the 2023 regular season, which is expected to be his last in professional baseball.
The Philadelphia Phillies re-signed right-hander Mark Appel to a minor-league deal on Tuesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. The 31-year-old made his MLB debut with the Phils in 2022 after being drafted first overall in 2013 by the Houston Astros out of Stanford. He didn't stick around long, though, and landed on the injured list due to an elbow injury. In six relief appearances, Appel allowed two earned runs on nine hits while walking three and striking out five. He will have to be healthy in spring training to have any shot of winning an Opening Day spot in Philly's revamped bullpen in 2023.
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Mark Appel has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Veteran starter Kyle Gibson was placed on the bereavement list on Saturday and Appel was recalled in a corresponding move. Appel, the former first overall pick way back in 2013, made his major league debut earlier this season and should work out of the Phillies pen this time around. He's got a 1.29 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 3:2 K/BB ratio over seven innings of relief so far on the season.
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Mark Appel and former No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft (ahead of Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant) is stepping away from baseball after struggling for several seasons. The 26-year-old right-hander said he's taking an "indefinite break" after posting a 5.60 ERA at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2017. He has mostly struggled in the minors ever since being drafted by the Astros, and he may become the third No. 1 overall pick never to reach the majors.
Former No. 1Â overall draft pick Mark Appel landed on the disabled list today with a right shoulder strain. The 25-year-old, who arrived in Philadelphia from Houston, had been struggling with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, pitching to a poor, 5.27 ERA in 17 starts this season. The disabled list stint comes on the heels of his last start, which saw him get shelled in the very first inning, failing to escape the frame. Appel hurt his shoulder last year as well, ultimately having to undergo season-ending surgery. At this point, his story appears to be set as a failed number one draft pick, another further blow to the Phillies in their rebuilding plans.
