Fansided

5 Phillies who won’t be on the Opening Day roster but will have an impact in 2023

By Tim Boyle

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands during the National Anthem prior to Game One of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands during the National Anthem prior to Game One of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies, Mark Appel
Mark Appel will find his way back to the major leagues this season. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4) Phillies reliever Mark Appel will get his chance to stay in the bullpen

Mark Appel making his MLB debut in 2022 was a positive story around the league. The 2013 first overall pick was out of the league for several years before returning in 2021. He pitched well enough as a reliever for the Phillies in Triple-A where the club felt he had something to offer in the majors.

An added touch to this story, Appel was actually good. In 10.1 innings of work, Appel allowed just a pair of earned runs to give him a 1.74 ERA. Back with the Phillies again this year on a new minor league contract, the team apparently saw enough from him to believe he’d be a suitable arm to have in the minors.

Appel is not a member of the 40-man roster. The team has given many of those spots to waiver claims they made earlier this offseason. Appel’s chance of making the Opening Day roster is slim. However, the 40-man roster and an eventual promotion to the major leagues is very possible in the course of a 162-game season.

There is one minor league option remaining on Appel so a 40-man roster spot for him doesn’t put him in too much jeopardy to lose his job with the Phillies. Even if all he does is give the team another handful of innings, Appel can have a positive impact on the team.

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