Astros players in a huff after prospect Mark Appel summoned to Houston for bullpen session
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The first overall pick in the 2013 draft, Houston Astros pitcher Mark Appel earned himself a promotion from High-A Lancaster to Double-A Corpus Christi on Saturday.
Well, "earned" might not be the right word. Appel got shelled in 12 starts in Lancaster, giving up 74 hits and nine home runs in 44.1 innings, posting a 9.74 ERA and 1.92 WHIP. But the Astros seemed to feel a change of scenery and some Double-A reps would do the young righty some good.
On top of the promotion, Appel was summoned to Houston's Minute Maid Park Sunday morning to throw a bullpen session in front of Astros coaches and executives. Considering the way he's been pitching, a few players on the Astros big league club, who apparently saw Appel leaving the stadium, were miffed at the apparent preferential treatment the 23-year-old is getting.
From Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle:
Let's just put it this way, folks, the fact that Appel was brought here has upset more than a few players.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) July 27, 2014
"It's (expletive) unbelievable," an Astros player just said out of the blue about Mark Appel being allowed throw a bullpen.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) July 27, 2014
In a sport that prides itself on having guys pay dues, the Astros didn't help perception in clubhouse that Appel is being babied.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) July 27, 2014
Another player just approached me to complain about Appel's promotion and bullpen session. Multiple expletives were dropped. Not good.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) July 27, 2014
Asked about the malcontent in the clubhouse, Astros manager Bo Porter said he planned to address the issue before it festers.
"Any time something affects your clubhouse, I think as the manager you have to handle it," Porter said of Appel anger in clubhouse.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) July 27, 2014
"I will handle it internally. It’s unfortunate that they have been put in that position," Porter said.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) July 27, 2014
It's been a tough stretch for the Astros in regards to their top picks, as this incident comes on the heels of their failure to sign their 2014 first overall draft pick, Brady Aiken, earlier this month.