Watch: Mark Appel makes scoreless MLB debut for Phillies

Jun 29, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mark Appel (22) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. This was his MLB debut after being the first overall pick in 2013. Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: 2013 No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel makes scoreless MLB debut for Phillies

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/29/22

Nine years after being selected No. 1 overall, Mark Appel finally made his major league debut Wednesday night for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Appel took the mound for the top half of the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves.

After allowing a hit to William Contreras with one out in the inning, Appel notched his first career strikeout, setting down Adam Duvall looking. Appel next got Phil Gosselin to ground into a force out to end the inning.

Mark Appel was the No. 1 overall pick in 2013.

In 2018, he stepped away from the game.

In 2021, he started his comeback.

Tonight, he made his big league debut and threw a scoreless inning. pic.twitter.com/adSjTjxinP
— MLB (@MLB) June 30, 2022

Appel, 30, was drafted first overall by the Houston Astros in 2013 but never reached the majors. Already considered a bust by many, the Astros included Appel in a trade package for closer Ken Giles in 2015. In 2018, after spending three seasons in the minors, Appel decided to walk away from baseball.

Ahead of the 2021 season, Appel decided to make a comeback, pitching in 23 games for the Phillies' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates Reading and Lehigh Valley.

This season with Lehigh Valley, Appel has a 5-0 record with five saves and a 1.91 ERA in 28.0 innings.

Appel was called up to the major leagues by the Phillies on June 25.

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