Phillies DFA former 1st overall pick Appel

Finalizing their 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, the Philadelphia Phillies have designated right-hander Mark Appel for assignment on Monday.

The Houston Astros took Appel with the first overall pick in the 2013 draft, just ahead of Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. After three seasons in the Astros system, Appel was sent to the Phillies alongside Vince Velasquez and Brett Oberholtzer in exchange for reliever Ken Giles.

Appel never quite found his rhythm, and struggled mightily with command throughout his time in the minor leagues. In 17 starts in Triple-A this past season, the 26-year-old righty went 5-4 with a 5.27 ERA. He also issued 53 walks in 82 innings.