PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies are loaded with pitching prospects in the Minor Leagues and Monday they protected four of their most valuable arms from next month's Rule 5 Draft.
They also cut loose a once highly touted pitching prospect.
The Phillies placed right-handers Franklyn Kilome, Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Taveras and left-hander Ranger Suarez on the 40-man roster. The Phillies also claimed infielder Engelb Vielma from the Giants. To make those players fit on the 40-man roster, the Phillies cleared three roster spots. Mark Appel, the former No. 1 overall pick acquired in the Ken Giles/Vince Velasquez trade in December 2015, and Alberto Tirado were designated for assignment.