Mark Appel released, says goodbye to Philly

In a year full of excellent stories, the tale of Mark Appel was one of the best. Drafted 3 times and twice in the top 10, expectations were sky-high for Appel after being drafted #1 overall by the Astros in 2013.

A true ace from Stanford, Appel had a 2.57 ERA in 47 starts for the D-1 baseball powerhouse. Things started fine enough for the young Appel. He had a 3.79 ERA between A- and A-ball in 2013. Nothing crazy, but fine for your pro debut.

Mark Appel sent to the Phillies

Things went downhill from there.

He’d have a 6.19 ERA in 2014 and a 4.37 ERA in 2015. He’d be sent to the Phillies during that offseason in the Ken Giles deal.

He wasn’t much better as a Phillies’ farmhand. He had a 4.46 ERA in 2016 and a 5.14 in 2017.

Then he’d step away from baseball until 2021.

The Comeback

In 2021, the Phillies gave Mark Appel a second chance.

He started out slowly back at AA Reading. He’d end the year at Lehigh Valley but with a disappointing 6.06 ERA between both stops. Then 2022 happened.

Appel surprised at AAA in 2022. In 40 IP, Appel had 3.15 ERA. After mid-season injuries, Appel got his chance at the major leagues. He’d make his debut against the Atlanta Braves on June 29th. Adam Duvall became his first strikeout victim. He pitched a total of 6 games for the Phillies, recording an ERA of 1.74.

Things didn’t look great coming into 2023 for Appel. New arms in the Phillies bullpen seemingly meant another season starting in AAA. He struggled in Spring Training, allowing 7 ER in 5.2 IP.

Ultimately, the Phillies released him…but not because of his ability.