Former Astros' 1st-overall pick Mark Appel has bone spur removed; done for season

Nothing has been smooth about Mark Appel's post-college career. Appel didn't sign with Pittsburgh Pirates after he was drafted No. 8 overall in the 2012 MLB Draft. He signed with the Astros after going No. 1 overall in 2013 Draft but never quite figured out in Houston's system. Appel was traded to Phillies as part of the Ken Giles trade this offseason.

Appel found his grove for a while in the Phillies system. In April, Appel was 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA in four starts. The wheels feel off in May as Appel was 0-3 with an 8.47 ERA in four starts. The Phillies shut down Appel after he had a dramatic drop in velocity. Philadephia appears to have found the source of the issue for Appel, as he had surgery to remove a bone spur in his elbow on Wednesday:

Mark Appel had surgery today to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. His season is over. Expected to be ready for spring training.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) June 29, 2016

Appel, 24, was 3-3 with a 4.46 ERA in eight starts in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He struck out 44 and walked 20 over 38 1/3 innings. Appel is expected to return for Spring Training.

Thank you all who have reached out to wish me a speedy recovery and pray for me! I'm feeling great and thankful for a successful operation!

— Mark Appel (@MAppel26) June 29, 2016