This right here is what sports are all about. On Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies called up 30-year-old right-hander Mark Appel from AAA Lehigh Valley, a former first overall pick in 2013 by the Houston Astros. After a three-year absence away from the sport and failing to live up to expectations, Appel has finally arrived in the Majors.
He took to Twitter and couldn't help but express his excitement:
“Completely overwhelmed. I have so many thoughts I want to share but can't find the words, so I'll just say this: I'm thankful,” Appel tweeted. “Today, I get to play a game I love as a Major League Baseball player.”
Completely overwhelmed. I have so many thoughts I want to share but can’t find the words, so I’ll just say this:
I’m thankful.
Today, I get to play a game I love as a Major League Baseball player.
LET’S GOOOOO @PHILLIES!!!!
— Mark Appel (@markappel26) June 25, 2022
What a journey it's been for the Phillies prospect. In 2018, Appel announced he was quitting baseball for the time being after numerous injuries to his throwing arm. In 2021, he returned to the Philadelphia organization, pitching in AA and AAA across the last two seasons. In 2022, Appel is dealing for the IronPigs, posting a 5-0 record and 1.61 ERA in 19 outings.
The Phillies brought Appel up after placing reliever Connor Brogdon on the COVID-19 IL on Friday night. Appel was drafted eighth overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Pirates before being the first player selected a year later.
His moment in the spotlight has finally arrived. It will be interesting to see if Mark Appel can make his presence felt and potentially stay up with the big league club.
Follow Us
Subscribe