Mark Appel, the No. 1 overall pick just four years ago in the June draft, was removed from the Phillies’ 40-man roster on Monday night as the team elected to protect four pitching prospects ahead of next month’s Rule 5 draft.
The Phillies added righthanders Seranthony Dominguez, Franklyn Kilome and Jose Taveras, and lefthander Ranger Suarez. Dominguez, Kilome and Suarez are 22. Taveras is 24. There is a chance all four could begin next season in double-A Reading’s starting rotation. The Phillies also claimed 23-year-old infielder Engelb Vielma from San Francisco to bring the 40-man roster to a full 40.