HOUSTON -- Astros right-hander Mark Appel, the top overall pick in the 2013 draft, is recovering after an appendectomy.
Appel had the procedure Thursday in Houston. General manager Jeff Luhnow says the team expects the pitcher will be able to report to spring training on time.
The Astros also announced left-hander Raul Valdes had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this week. Valdes will report to camp Feb. 15, but his recovery time is estimated at four to six weeks. Valdes was claimed off waivers from Philadelphia in October.
