Appel's childhood teammates show their support

Several of Mark Appel's former teammates from his days in the Post Oak Little League in Houston were at Minute Maid Park to greet him Wednesday after he signed a contract with the Astros, who selected him with the first overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft.

Astros hope to lock up high school Draft picks

The Astros signed top overall pick Mark Appel, a pitcher from Stanford, for about $1.5 million less than the assigned slot value of $7.8 million, which should allow Houston to make a run at some high school players they took later in the Draft who have college commitments.

Appel's family ties in Houston run deep

When Mark Appel and his brother, John, were kids growing up in Houston, they would attend Astros and Rockets games and pretend they were playing for one of the hometown teams for which they cheered.

At Diversity Summit, MLB meets potential employees

Credit an industry for spurring social progress. Major League Baseball mixed business with idealism Wednesday at the second annual Diversity Business Summit, a day-long conference that allows the league to evaluate potential employees and entrepreneurs seeking work in sports.

Astros take pride in hosting Diversity Summit

Given its rich history as one of the most diverse cities in America, Houston seemed the logical choice to host MLB's Diversity Business Summit on Wednesday.

Astros turn to Harrell to claim series victory vs. Crew

Yovani Gallardo will try to keep his hot streak going against Lucas Harrell and the Houston Astros on Thursday at 1:10 p.m. CT from Minute Maid Park.

Ambriz unable to back Bedard's stellar outing

Rickie Weeks connected on a two-run homer to erase another spectacular outing from Astros starter Erik Bedard and stun Houston, 3-1, on Wednesday night in Minute Maid park.

Owners discuss art of business at Diversity Summit

The MLB owners panel -- called "The Business of the Game" -- was the first major event at the MLB Business Diversity Summit on Wednesday, and hundreds of job-seekers and potential vendors sat in rapt attention, soaking in every word from some of the industry's leaders.

Astrodome listed among endangered historic places

The Houston Astrodome, dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" when it opened in 1965, has been listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of this year's 11 most endangered places.

Astros acquire Minor League pitcher for F. Martinez

Outfielder Fernando Martinez, who appeared in 52 games for the Astros over the past two seasons, was sent to the Yankees in a trade on Tuesday. The Astros acquired right-handed pitcher Charles Basford, who will report to rookie-league Tri-City.

Norris appealing base hit ruling from previous start

Astros starter Bud Norris is appealing a base hit ruling from the White Sox four-run sixth inning, he said Tuesday. He hopes the play will be ruled an error, instead.

Maxwell makes return to Astros in right field

Outfielder Justin Maxwell made his return to the Astros Tuesday night, but he's got a new home after missing eight weeks with a fractured left hand.

No. 1 Draft pick Appel signs with Astros

Less than two weeks after taking Stanford pitcher Mark Appel with the No. 1 overall Draft pick, the Astros formally welcomed him to the organization.

Astros option Paredes to Triple-A Oklahoma City

One player's promotion is usually another player's demotion, and Jimmy Paredes was on the unfortunate end of Justin Maxwell's return to the big league roster.

Dominguez helps lift Lyles' stellar outing

Jordan Lyles held the Brewers to seven hits and one run in seven innings, Carlos Pena blasted a three-run homer and Matt Dominguez added his first career grand slam to lead the Astros to a 10-1 win over their former National League Central rivals on Tuesday.

Maxwell returns from rehab stint; Paredes optioned

The Astros got a key reinforcement back, as the club called up outfielder Justin Maxwell from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday night, manager Bo Porter said.

After signing, Thurman gets big league treatment

Astros second-round pick Andrew Thurman isn't a Major Leaguer yet, but his experience in Minute Maid Park during Monday's pregame mirrored the routine of one. After all, Thurman, the No. 40 overall pick, has a pro contract now, inking a deal with Houston on Monday.

Crowe supplants Paredes as starter in right field

Trevor Crowe has overtaken a struggling Jimmy Paredes as the starter in right field for the time being, Astros manager Bo Porter said Monday.

Astros 'fully engaged' in talks with No. 1 pick Appel

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Monday the club is "fully engaged" in contract talks with No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel, the right-handed pitcher from Stanford, and hopes to be able to complete a deal this week.

Sharp early, Norris endures rough sixth in defeat

Bud Norris was cruising through five scoreless innings and was one out away from finishing the sixth unscathed when the White Sox loaded the bases. Dayan Viciedo then cleared the bases with a three-run triple that sent the White Sox to a 4-2 win over the Astros on Monday night at Minute Maid Park.

Late blast helps lead Astros past White Sox in Houston

After Jason Castro's two-run blast in the seventh inning and another deep outing from starter Dallas Keuchel, Houston held back a ninth-inning rally to beat the White Sox, 5-4, on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.

Astros players share Father's Day memories

For many Astros, Father's Day and baseball are inextricably linked, with their dads being an integral part of their careers dating all the way back to childhood tournaments.

Astros haven't had much need for long relief lately

Astros manager Bo Porter has one of the best problems in baseball. He can't seem to get his bullpen enough work.

Astros reach deals with four '13 Draft picks

The Astros signed four of their selections -- Conrad Gregor, Jacob Nottingham, Jon Kemmer and Ronnie Mitchell -- from the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, Houston director of amateur scouting Mike Elias announced Saturday.

Pitch, Hit & Run finalists compete at Minute Maid

Baseball's future was on display Saturday morning at Minute Maid Park, as 22 boys and girls between the ages of 7-14 participated in the Astros' championship of Major League Baseball's Pinch, Hit & Run competition.

Report: Astros and top pick Appel reach agreement

The Astros have reached an agreement with No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel, according to a CBSSports.com report.

Homers boost Harrell, Astros past White Sox

Jason Castro and Chris Carter homered in the fourth inning to help the Astros move past the White Sox, 4-3, on Saturday night at Minute Maid Park. Lucas Harrell picked up the victory, allowing three runs over 6 2/3 innings.

Altuve needs fan support for trip to All-Star Game

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve faces an uphill climb if he's going to be elected to the American League All-Star team. Altuve ranked fifth among AL second basemen with 734,896 votes in the latest polling released Saturday.

Clemens' success a product of dad's early dedication

The stress that comes with being a special agent in the FBI was quickly washed away for Michael Clemens when he would come home from work and see his son, Paul, waiting in the driveway with a baseball glove and ball in hand in anticipation of some catch.

Ryan's close bond with family forged by togetherness

Nolan Ryan still speaks to his three children virtually every single day. This ritual, this simplest of gestures, sums up his views on fatherhood.