Philadelphia Phillies Release Former No. 1 Overall Pick


Following a rough spring training, the Philadelphia Phillies have released former first overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, Mark Appel.

The 31-year-old right-hander made his major league debut with the Phillies last year but was only able to pitch in six relief appearances before getting injured.

During this year's Grapefruit League, Appel struggled, allowing seven runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts across six appearances and 5.2 innings.

His release by the Phillies comes after they did not see enough improvement from him to justify keeping him for the minor-league season.  

Although Appel has stated on his personal Twitter account that this season may be his last in professional baseball, he hopes to join another team before the start of the 2023 regular season. 

Last season, at the minor-league level, Appel recorded a solid 3.15 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, with 36 strikeouts across 40 innings and 31 relief appearances.
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Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports