Lively promoted, Appel to DL, Hollands & Asche to continue rehab

Ben Lively, image- Jay Floyd

The Reading Fightins announced a transaction this afternoon, as righty starting pitcher Ben Lively has earned a promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Lively, a 4th round pick of Cincinnati in 2013, was acquired by the Phillies in a trade for Marlon Byrd two 0ff-seasons ago.

In nine starts for Double-A Reading this season, the 24-year-old posted a 7-0 record with a 1.87 ERA while striking out 49 and walking 15 in 53 innings pitched. Last season with Reading, Lively sported an 8-7 record with a 4.13 ERA in 25 games.

Recently, I spoke with Lively, who noted that the key to his success this year was throwing more quality pitches early in at bats.

He'll make his Triple-A debut, starting on Friday night for the IronPigs.

Mark Appel has been placed on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain. The 24-year-old left his most recent start for the IronPigs on Sunday after being charged with four earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning.

Appel has a 3-3 record with a 4.46 ERA and a .267 batting average against in eight starts this season. He was a key acquisition in last off-season's Ken Giles trade and was the top overall draft pick by Houston in 2013.

Additionally, left-handed pitcher Mario Hollands (Tommy John surgery) and left fielder Cody Asche (oblique) will continue to rehab from injuries with Lehigh Valley as well.

Hollands, 27, has a 1.04 ERA while striking out 12 and walking one in 8 2/3 innings on his rehab stint to date.

In nine minor league contests, the 25-year-old Asche is batting .147 with two home runs.