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.
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.
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.
Rob Thomson said the team released Appel because there wasn't going to be a spot for him at Triple A. They wanted to give him time to find another job elsewhere — if he wants it. "We wanted to take care of him as best we could," Thomson said.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 20, 2023
Appel would’ve had to start at AA Reading after making his MLB debut. Instead, the Phillies gave him a chance to latch onto another team before the end of Spring Training.
Mark Appel took it in stride, thanking the Phillies for the chances: being traded for, being welcomed back, and getting a chance at the big leagues.
Philly, thank you. For everything.
— Mark Appel (@markappel26) March 20, 2023
In 2015, you believed in me and traded for me, even as I struggled with performance and injuries.
In 2018, you graciously supported me as I dealt with my struggles off the field.
(more below)
I wouldn’t change one thing about my time in your beautiful city, playing for this storied organization.
— Mark Appel (@markappel26) March 20, 2023
I’ll have more opportunities as I keep working to play this game, but the one thing I won’t have is the pleasure to show up every day to a clubhouse of the best people I know
Appel had just mentioned on Twitter the day before that this season was most likely his last, statistically speaking. There were many younger guys coming up and he wasn’t getting any younger.
My Honest Reality
— Mark Appel (@markappel26) March 18, 2023
March 19, 2023
Welcome to the 2023 baseball season.
Opening Day is around the corner. Pitchers are almost ready. Position players are locked in. Fans share the optimism a new season brings.
But this isn't just another season.
This is likely my last.
Mark Appel will always be a part of the wonderful 2022 Phillies. But, for now, his Phillies’ journey has come to an end.
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