Mark Appel's long road to the big leagues

• "Completely overwhelmed," said Appel. "I have so many thoughts I want to share but can't find the words, so I'll just say this: I'm thankful."
• Context: Nine years is a long time. Fellow 2013 draftees like Kris Bryant (No. 2), Tim Anderson (No. 17), Aaron Judge (No. 32) and Cody Bellinger (No. 124) have already become superstars.

The backdrop: The Stanford graduate and 2012 National Pitcher of the Year was drafted first overall in 2013 by his hometown Astros, who signed him for $6.35 million.

• He was MLB's No. 6 pitching prospect in 2014 before Houston traded the oft-injured and ineffective Appel to the Phillies in 2015.
• In 2018, battling inconsistency, injuries and depression, he left baseball. Three years later, he returned to the Phillies organization, where he's excelled as a reliever this season in Triple-A.
• On Saturday, with reliever Connor Brogdon on the COVID IL, he finally got the call he's been waiting nearly a decade to receive.

The big picture: Appel was an established college star before injuries derailed his pro career, but a pair of high school draftees who endured similarly long delays offer optimism for his future.

• Matt Bush, the No. 1 pick in 2004, debuted in 2016 after battling alcoholism. At 36, he's still part of the Rangers' bullpen.
• Josh Hamilton, the No. 1 pick in 1999, debuted in 2007 after he battled alcoholism and drug addiction. He won the 2010 AL MVP and was a five-time All-Star.

The bottom line: No matter your talent it's impossible to prove yourself if you never get the opportunity. Mark Appel is finally getting his.