Mark Appel

Last updated

43+1⁄3 innings. [3]

As a sophomore for Stanford in 2011, Appel had a 6–7 win-loss record with a 3.02 ERA in 110+1⁄3 innings pitched. [1] After the 2011 season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League. [8] Going into his junior year in 2012, Collegiate Baseball named Appel a First Team All-American. [1] As a junior, he pitched to a 10–2 record and 2.56 ERA, [9] and won the National Pitcher of the Year Award. [10] Appel was projected as a potential first overall pick in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft, [1] but reportedly rejected an offer from the Astros for a $6 million signing bonus. Due to the high perceived bonus demands, Appel fell in the draft to the eighth overall selection, where he was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, Appel did not sign with the Pirates before the July 13, 2012, deadline and instead played his senior year at Stanford. [9] [11] He turned down an offer of a $3.8 million signing bonus. [12]

Appel graduated from Stanford after the fall semester, receiving a bachelor's degree in management science and engineering. For the Cardinal baseball team, Appel pitched to a 10–4 record with a 2.12 ERA and struck out 130 batters in 106+1⁄3 innings. The Pac-12 Conference honored him as their Scholar-Athlete of the Year. [12]

Professional career

Houston Astros (2013–2016)

The Houston Astros selected Appel with the first overall pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. [13] On June 19, he signed with the Astros for a signing bonus worth $6.35 million. [14] Appel made his professional debut in July with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Low-A New York–Penn League. [15] After making two starts for Tri-City, the Astros promoted Appel to the Quad Cities River Bandits of the Single-A Midwest League. [16] When Appel joined Quad Cities, teaming with Carlos Correa, this marked the first time that two consecutive first overall draft picks played for the same minor league team. [17] [18] The Astros ended Appel's season in August, with approximately 140 innings pitched on the season, between college and minor league baseball. [19] For Tri-City and Quad Cities, Appel pitched to a 3–1 record in 10 games started, with a 3.79 ERA and 33 strikeouts with nine walks in 38 innings. [20]

The Astros invited Appel to spring training in 2014 as a non-roster player. Appel underwent an appendectomy in January, which delayed his preparations for the 2014 season. [21] He was reassigned to minor league camp, where he made his spring debut. [22] He started for the Astros in their final spring training game, throwing three scoreless innings against the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz of the Mexican League. [23] The Astros assigned Appel to the Lancaster JetHawks of the High-A California League at the start of the regular season. [24] He struggled with his adaptation to the Astros' tandem starting rotation, and went to extended spring training after four starts. [25] After a month, he returned to Lancaster. [26] After pitching to a 2–5 record and a 9.74 ERA in 12 starts for Lancaster, the Astros promoted Appel to the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Double-A Texas League. Jeff Luhnow, the Astros' general manager, noted Lancaster's "hostile pitching environment", and stated that it was the Astros' intention to have Appel pitch in Corpus Christi in 2014 regardless of his performance in Lancaster. [27] Appel finished the regular season with a 1–2 win–loss record and a 3.69 ERA in seven games for Corpus Christi. These struggles were attributed to command struggles and a low strikeout rate. The Astros then assigned him to the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League after the season, where he had a 2.61 ERA and 24 strikeouts to eight walks in 31 innings pitched, while limiting opponents to a .167 batting average against. [28]

Appel began the 2015 season with Corpus Christi. [29] He was chosen to represent the Astros at the 2015 All-Star Futures Game. [30] Appel pitched to a 5–1 record and a 4.26 ERA in 13 starts for Corpus Christi before the Astros promoted Appel to the Fresno Grizzlies of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in June. [31] [32] Appel finished the 2015 season with a 4.48 ERA in 12 starts for Fresno. [33]

Philadelphia Phillies (2016–2022)

On December 12, 2015, the Astros traded Appel, Vince Velasquez, Brett Oberholtzer, Tom Eshelman, and Harold Arauz to the Philadelphia Phillies for Ken Giles and Jonathan Araúz. [34] He began the 2016 season with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs of the Triple-A International League. [35] In May 2016, Appel was placed on the disabled list due to a shoulder injury. While rehabbing his arm, Appel injured his elbow. On June 29, 2016, Appel underwent season-ending surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow. [36]

The Phillies added Appel to their 40-man roster after the 2016 season. [37] Appel began the 2017 season with Lehigh Valley. [38] He suffered a shoulder injury in July, and returned to Lehigh Valley in September. [39] He ended the season with a 5–4 record and a 5.14 ERA in 17 games started. [40] The Phillies designated Appel for assignment on November 20, 2017. [41] [42] On February 1, 2018, Appel announced that he would be stepping away from baseball at the age of 26. He was placed on the reserve/retired list. [43]

Beginning in March 2021, Appel attempted a comeback. [44] Assigned to the Reading Fightin Phils of the Double-A Eastern League to start the 2021 season, Appel went 0–1 with a 5.84 ERA over eight total appearances, including six starts, and was promoted to Lehigh Valley. [45] Appel returned to Lehigh Valley to start the 2022 season. [46] On June 24, after a loss to the San Diego Padres, Appel was called up to the major leagues after Connor Brogdon was placed on the COVID-19 injured list; he had pitched to a 5–0 record and a 1.61 ERA in 28 innings for Lehigh Valley prior to his promotion. [47] Appel made his major league debut on June 29, pitching one inning of relief against the Atlanta Braves. [48] In 6 appearances during his rookie campaign, he logged a pristine 1.74 ERA with 5 strikeouts in 10+1⁄3 innings pitched. Appel's season ended prematurely when he was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on September 12. [49] On November 9, Appel was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple–A. [50] He elected free agency the following day. [51]

On January 24, 2023, Appel re-signed with the Phillies organization on a minor league contract. [52] Appel had an 11.12 ERA across six games in spring training and was released by the Phillies on March 20. [53] He underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his elbow in April and missed the entire season as a result. [54]

Personal life

Appel was born in Houston, Texas. His family moved to San Ramon, California, when he was 12 years old. Appel's father, Patrick, works as a lawyer for the Chevron Corporation. Patrick and Appel's mother, Sondra, lived in Beijing and Shanghai for a time. Appel has an older brother, John. [55] Appel is a Christian. [56]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Lidge</span> American baseball player (born 1976)

Bradley Thomas Lidge nicknamed "Lights Out" is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Lidge played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 2002–2012. He played for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals. As a relief pitcher Lidge saved 225 games during his career. He was a two-time All-Star, and in 2008 won the Delivery Man of the Year Award and the National League (NL) Rolaids Relief Man Award. Lidge is currently a host on SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlie Morton (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Charles Alfred Morton IV is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Braves selected Morton in the third round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft. He has also previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Rays. Morton was a World Series champion in 2017 and 2021 and an All-Star in 2018 and 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brent Strom</span> American baseball player and coach (born 1948)

Brent Terry Strom is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher and active pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. His MLB playing career spanned from 1972 to 1973 and 1975 to 1977 for the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres. He served as pitching coach for the Houston Astros in 1996 and from 2014 to 2021, helping guide the club to the 2017 World Series championship. He also coached the Kansas City Royals from 2000 to 2001. According to an interview with Tommy John, Strom was the second pitcher to receive Tommy John surgery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bud Norris</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

David Stefan "Bud" Norris is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gerrit Cole</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Gerrit Alan Cole is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros. Cole played for the baseball team at Orange Lutheran High School, and was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Cole opted not to sign, and instead attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Oberholtzer</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Brett Raymond Oberholtzer is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Angels. He also played in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Chinatrust Brothers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Straily</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Daniel Steven Straily is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. The Oakland Athletics selected Straily in the 24th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, and he made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with them in 2012. He has pitched for the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles. He has also played for the Lotte Giants of the KBO League (KBO).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Pressly</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Thomas Ryan Pressly is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryne Stanek</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Ryne Thomas Stanek is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he played for the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team. He was selected by the Rays in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2017. He previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, and Houston Astros. Stanek often appeared as an opener, before the Rays traded him to the Marlins in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Giles</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Kenneth Robert Giles is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Héctor Neris</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1989)

Héctor Neris is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros. He was signed as a free agent by the Phillies in 2010, and made his major league debut with them in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Musgrove</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Joseph Anthony Musgrove is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Eshelman</span> American baseball player

Thomas Darwin Eshelman is an American former professional baseball pitcher and current pitching coach in the San Diego Padres organization. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019. He played college baseball for the Titans of California State University, Fullerton. The Houston Astros selected Eshelman in the 2015 MLB draft, and traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2015 season. He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles during the 2019 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Devenski</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Christopher Michael Devenski, also known as "Devo", is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays. Prior to playing professionally, Devenski played college baseball for Golden West College and California State University, Fullerton. The Chicago White Sox selected Devenski in the 25th round, with the 771st overall selection, of the 2011 MLB draft. He was named an MLB All-Star in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Wright (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1995)

Kyle Hardy Wright is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves. He played college baseball at Vanderbilt University. He was selected by the Braves with the fifth overall selection of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, and made his MLB debut in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cole Irvin</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Cole RJ Irvin is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). Irvin was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut with them in 2019. He pitched for the Oakland Athletics from 2021 to 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austin Davis (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Austin Richard Davis, nicknamed "Big Fudge", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. He was selected by the Phillies in the 12th round of the 2014 MLB draft and made his major league debut for them in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Bielak</span> American baseball player (born 1996)

Brandon Michael Bielak is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at the University of Notre Dame. He was selected by the Astros in the 11th round of the 2017 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut in 2020.

Kent Jeffrey Emanuel is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He played college baseball for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros.

Hunter Noah Brown is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at Wayne State University. The Astros selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2022.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Appel, Diekroeger join Piscotty as baseball preseason All-America". San Jose Mercury News . December 21, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  2. ↑ Bonagura, Kyle (February 13, 2009). "Spartans defeat MV in showdown". Oakland Tribune . Retrieved June 5, 2012.(subscription required)
  3. 1 2 3 Rogers, Kendall. "Notebook: Appel, Reckling shining" (PDF). Perfect Game USA. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Likely top draft choice Appel took long road up". Newspapers.com. April 8, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  5. ↑ "12 Jun 2009, Page 23 – Tallahassee Democrat at". Newspapers.com. June 12, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  6. ↑ Kroner, Steve (June 9, 2009). "Nothing can rival the bond between a couple of Kettleers". Sfgate.com. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  7. ↑ Eymer, Rick (March 26, 2010). "Stanford baseball loses its Pac-10 opener to USC, 13–8". Palo Alto Weekly . Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  8. ↑ "#30 Mark Appel – Profile". pointstreak.com. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  9. 1 2 Rosencrans, C. Trent (July 13, 2012). "Pirates fail to sign RHP Mark Appel". CBS Sports. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  10. ↑ "Appel wins Pitcher of the Year" (video). MLB.com. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Stanford ace Mark Appel has moved past last year's draft". Usatoday.com. May 16, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  12. 1 2 Keown, Tim (June 5, 2013). "Mark Appel: No regrets about draft". Espn.go.com. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Astros take Houston native Appel with top pick". MLB.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  14. ↑ "No. 1 overall MLB Draft pick Mark Appel signs with Astros". MLB.com. June 19, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Astros' Mark Appel scheduled to make pro debut Friday for Tri-City". Houston Chronicle. July 2, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  16. ↑ Perry, Dayn (July 10, 2013). "Astros promote top pick Mark Appel to Midwest League". CBS Sports . Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  17. ↑ LaNave, Marco (July 19, 2013). "Bullpen, offense boost Bandits over TinCaps, 6–3". MiLB.com. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  18. ↑ Batterson, Steve (July 10, 2013). "Top pick Appel to make history with Bandits". Quad-City Times . Retrieved July 20, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  19. ↑ "No. 1 pick Mark Appel will be shut down soon by Astros". NBC Sports . August 14, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  20. ↑ Heneghan, Kelsie (June 1, 2014). "Astros' Appel 'humbled' by tough loss". MiLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  21. ↑ McTaggart, Brian (March 15, 2014). "Appel throws for second time this week". MLB.com. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Ultimate Astros » Mark Appel pleased after spring debut". Houston Chronicle. March 21, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Mark Appel makes 1st spring training start, pitches Astros to 6–1 win over Veracruz". Fox News. Associated Press. March 30, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Mark Appel, Carlos Correa to start at Class A Lancaster". Houston Chronicle. April 2, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  25. ↑ Jackson, Josh (April 26, 2014). "Appel headed to extended spring training". MiLB.com. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Appel endures rough start in return to action". MLB.com. June 1, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Appel's unusual progression to finally include Class AA stop". Houston Chronicle. July 27, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Astros impressed with Appel's Fall League stint". MLB.com. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
  29. ↑ Maun, Tyler (April 7, 2015). "Texas League Preview: Top Houston Astros prospects Mark Appel, Carlos Correa ready to lead Corpus Christi Hooks Hooks". MiLB.com. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  30. ↑ Rome, Chandler (June 25, 2015). "Kemp, Appel named to Futures Game". MLB.com. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  31. ↑ Gleeman, Aaron (June 24, 2015). "Astros promote former No. 1 pick Mark Appel to Triple-A". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  32. ↑ Jackson, Chris (August 17, 2015). "PCL notes: Appel adjusting in Fresno: Astros No. 2 prospect enjoying success since promotion from Double-A". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  33. ↑ Drellich, Evan (September 12, 2015). "Astros succeeding without aid of No. 1 pick Mark Appel". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  34. ↑ Short, D. J. (December 12, 2015). "Ken Giles trade announced, with 2013 No. 1 pick Mark Appel headed to the Phillies". HardballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  35. ↑ Seidman, Corey (May 9, 2016). "Mark Appel has advice for Phillies' No. 1 overall pick". CSN Philly. Archived from the original on May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  36. ↑ Young, Matt (June 29, 2016). "Former Astros' top pick Mark Appel done for the season". Houston Chronicle . Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  37. ↑ Gelb, Matt (November 18, 2016). "Phillies add 11 players in 40-man roster overhaul". www.inquirer.com.
  38. ↑ Housenick, Tom. "Mark Appel happy to healthy, back on the mound for Lehigh Valley IronPigs".
  39. ↑ "Phillies shut down three minor-league pitchers before triple-A postseason". Philly. September 6, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Phillies DFA 2013 No. 1 Draft pick Appel". MiLB.com. November 20, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  41. ↑ "Phils DFA Mark Appel as they set 40-man roster for Rule 5 draft". ESPN.com. November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  42. ↑ Zolecki, Todd (November 20, 2017). "Phillies add 4 prospects to 40-man roster". MLB.com. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  43. ↑ "Ex-No. 1 pick Appel steps away from baseball". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  44. ↑ Polishuk, Mark (March 27, 2021). "Mark Appel Preparing For Comeback Attempt". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  45. ↑ Housenick, Tom (June 25, 2021). "Phillies pitching prospect Mark Appel impressive in his IronPigs return". The Morning Call . Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  46. ↑ Hixson, Chuck. "IronPigs start year with a veteran roster". Times News. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  47. ↑ "Nine years later, No. 1 overall pick Appel reaches Majors". MLB.com. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  48. ↑ "Ex-top pick Appel, 30, makes MLB debut for Phils". ESPN.com. June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Phillies' Mark Appel: Goes on 60-day IL". cbssports.com. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Phillies claim right-hander Ortiz and left-hander Vasquez off waivers from San Francisco Giants; outright five to Triple-A Lehigh Valley". mlb.com. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  51. ↑ "2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams". baseballamerica.com. November 13, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Phillies' Mark Appel: Re-ups with Phils on minors deal". cbssports.com. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  53. ↑ "Phillies release Mark Appel, send 3 others to minor-league camp".
  54. ↑ https://x.com/markappel26/status/1676716047083139073?s=46&t=UN5XGiNzRq3-vt33N7zCTw
  55. ↑ McTaggart, Brian (June 19, 2013). "Appel's family ties in Houston run deep". MLB.com. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  56. ↑ Doering, Joshua (April 2021). "Former No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel back in baseball with contentment in Christ". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
Mark Appel
Mark Appel Astros preseason March 2014.jpg
Appel with the Houston Astros organization in 2014
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1991-07-15) July 15, 1991 (age 32)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 29, 2022, for the Philadelphia Phillies
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.