Phillies Active Two Key Players; Demote Former No. 1 Overall Pick

The Philadelphia Phillies have re-activated their No. 3 starter and a key reserve, with a pair of moves on Saturday.

The Phillies have reinstated LHP Ranger Suárez (15-day IL) and INF Johan Camargo (10-day IL). RHP Mark Appel and OF Mickey Moniak were optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA) following last night’s game.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 16, 2022

Left-hander Ranger Suárez spent only the minimum 15 days on the IL with a lower back spasm. In his last five starts, in June, he posted a combined 3.77 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. His overall numbers on the season are 4.33 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.

Camargo returns from a knee issue after spending a week on a rehab assignment. At Triple-A he hit .360 with six runs and 3 RBIs in six games. On the season, the 28-year-old utility man is hitting .230 with 3 HR and 15 RBIs. But his value is with the glove, where he's played every infield position but catcher thus far for the Phillies.

The down side of these moves, unfortunately, sees the demotion of one of the feel-good stories of the year, Mark Appel. 

The 31-year-old finally made his major league debut almost a full decade after being the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft. He acquitted himself well, allowing just one earned run in 7 innings of relief. He heads back to Triple-A, but hopefully will get another shot in the Show.

Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports