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ANAHEIM — Two top Astros prospects, Mark Appel and Brett Phillips, moved up a level on Wednesday, the former to Class AAA Fresno and the latter to Class AA Corpus Christi.
Appel, the righty who was the first overall pick in the 2013 draft, is now just a step away from the majors. Slow to progress in his minor league career, Appel showed consistency this month at Class AA Corpus Christi ahead of the jump. He had a 2.14 ERA in his final five starts for Corpus, finishing his time there this season with a 4.26 ERA.
“It’s a great sign for the organization,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said Wednesday. “It’s a great sign for him and continued progress. I think he’s going to face hitters that are better and prepare himself for what is ultimately going to be a challenge when he gets here.Click & Close Ads
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“He’s on his way. He’s got the stuff to pitch up here. And now it’s a matter of demonstrating, continuing to demonstrate that he can execute and us having an opportunity for him here.”
Luhnow said Appel’s potential impact in the majors this season isn’t going to affect how the team looks at the trade deadline in light of a desire to upgrade the rotation.
“I don’t think he’s going to be here in a time frame that changes what we’re going to do as far as adding to this team for a playoff stretch,” Luhnow said. “We’re going to get him more information. Triple A, he’s going to face some rough ball parks in terms of pitcher hostility, so he’ll have his work cut out for him. It’s exciting.”Click & Close Ads
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