Mark Appel Injury: Updates on Astros Star's Arm and Return

Houston Astros star prospect Mark Appel is battling for a spot on the team's 25-man roster and stated he is now able to pitch after it was revealed on March 9 he was dealing with tightness in his right forearm.

Continue for updates.

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Appel Ready to Pitch in Games, to Start Sunday vs. Nationals 

Wednesday, March 11

"Mark Appel scheduled to throw in bullpen today and to start Sunday's game against Nats," reported Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. On Tuesday, McTaggart noted Appel "said he is ready to pitch in games. ...[and] has zero concern." 

Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle previously talked to Appel, who said: "I feel like I could pitch. But I understand the training staff's decision...and the fact that it is spring training."

While this doesn't appear to be too serious at the moment, it could be a setback for the top overall pick of the 2013 draft. Appel, alongside 2012 first-round pick Carlos Correa, is considered the future of this franchise, and the hope will be that he can become an ace for years to come.

At the moment, however, the team would be happy to learn that his forearm tightness isn't anything to worry about or indicative of a more serious injury.