The Philadelphia Phillies announced they released former No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel on Monday.
Appel was the first overall selection in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros.
The 31 year-old Appel was traded to the Phillies prior to the 2016 season in the deal that sent relief pitcher Ken Giles to the Astros.
Elbow and shoulder injuries derailed his career. He wasn’t living up to his prospect pedigree. Appel walked away from the game after the 2017 season.
In 2021, Appel began a comeback attempt, returning to the Phillies. He pitched at Double A and Triple A that season and had a 6.06 ERA in 71 1/3 innings, which included 15 starts.
In 2022, after being converted to a full-time relief role and finding success, Appel He was called up to the majors. He appeared in six games with the Phillies, allowing two runs in 10 1/3 innings.
Appel was looking to make another run at the big leagues in 2023, but the Phillies decision to move on from him will lead to an uncertainty for him.
Photo courtsey of Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty
