Mark Appel, first overall pick 2013 DraftHe made his long-awaited MLB debut on Wednesday night Philadelphia Phyllis game with the Atlanta Braves.
Apple trailed ninth in Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, trailing 4-1 behind the Phyllis Braves. He grabbed the defending champs from the board, only needing 10 pitches to get out of the frame. He ended with a strikeout and was allowed a hit and received tremendous praise from Philadelphia fans.
Now 30 years old, Apple was selected top nine years ago by the Houston Astros. Stanford production revolved around miners and was finally traded to Philadelphia in December 2015. Apple retired from baseball in February 2018 due to injuries and ineffective play. He returned to the Phillies in 2021 after being sidelined for three seasons.
He was called up last Saturday, which set the stage for MLB’s breakthrough Wednesday night.
“It was pretty surreal,” Appel said of his debut. “I was trying to hold back the tears. It’s emotional. It is unique. ”
Apple is the fourth No. 1 prospect to make his MLB debut this season, joining 2017’s Royce Lewis (Twins), 2019’s Adley Rutschman (Orioles) and 2020’s Spencer Torkelson (Tigers).
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Database:2022 MLB salaries
Contribution: Associated Press
