
Mark Appel: September 1, 2017
Barring any injuries, Mark Appel will arrive in Philadelphia next fall. The former first overall pick of the Houston Astros came over in the Velasquez trade, and had a lot of hype behind him. Injuries have shut him down this season, so more time in Lehigh Valley is needed.
While a mid-season promotion could also be in the cards for Appel, the Phillies will most likely keep him in the minors for the majority of the season. Trades and injuries at the major league level could change that, but I believe Appel spends nearly all of 2017 in Lehigh Valley as their ace.
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