The Houston Astros aren’t taking any chances with the number one pick from this years draft. Mark Appel is going to start four or five more games and then be shut down for the rest of the season, before they do that though he might get promoted. There are no injuries just the team being really careful with one of their most prized possessions.

“We’re very encouraged with his last start,” Luhnow said of Appel, who pitched five strong innings Tuesday against Cedar Rapids to earn his first pro victory.

Luhnow noted Appel “probably has only got four or five starts left in him” before the team shuts him down for the season. (Houston Chronicle)