Phillies Place Mark Appel on DL; Ben Lively Moves to AAA
The Phillies lost yet another pitching prospect to the disabled list on Friday in the midst of a flurry of moves reported by long-time Phillies employee Larry Shenk.
The Phillies had plenty of depth at AAA but it took yet another hit.
Starting pitcher Mark Appel, who opened 2016 at AAA Lehigh Valley very strongly, has been placed on the seven-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain.
Appel had a 3-3 record with a 4.46 earned run average. However, the earned run average was greatly affected by Appel's last start on Sunday, where presumably he got hurt. Appel was able to get just two outs as he gave up four hits and walked two. Appel ultimately took the loss.
The move means that there is room at AAA for Phillies pitching prospect Ben Lively. At AA Reading, Lively is 7-0 with a 1.87 earned run average. Lively will get a chance to face AAA hitters for the first time, after demonstrating that he was able to get hitters at AA out.
Additionally, outfielder Cody Asche and pitcher Mario Hollands joined AAA Lehigh Valley as well to continue their rehab assignments. Asche is batting just .147 in nine rehab games between Class AA Reading and Class A Clearwater. Hollands has pitched eight and two-thirds innings, allowing just one run (a home run in his first outing) for a 1.04 earned run average.
Asche began his rehab assignment on May 13. A position player may rehab for up to 20 days. Hollands began his rehab assignment on May 9. Pitchers may rehab for up to 30 days. So, Hollands and Asche are getting close to joining the big league club, but either may be optioned to the minors if the club feels they are not yet ready.