MLB Draft 2013: Stanford pitcher Mark Appel goes No. 1 to Astros

Hard-throwing right-handed pitcher Mark Appel of Stanford was taken No. 1 by the Houston Astros on Thursday with the opening pick in major league baseball’s first-year player draft.

The 6-foot-5 Appel turned down the Pittsburgh Pirates last year after being taken No. 8 overall and returned for his senior season at Stanford. He was 10-4 with a 2.12 earned-run average this season.

He’s a Houston native.

The Chicago Cubs selected third baseman Kris Bryant from the University of San Diego with the second selection. He was considered the top power hitter in college baseball after hitting 31 home runs this season.

The Colorado Rockies chose right-hander Jonathan Gray of Oklahoma with the No. 3 pick.

With the No. 4 selection, the Minnesota Twins chose Texas high school pitcher Kohl Stewart, a right-hander who signed with Texas A&M to play quarterback.

Outfielder Clint Frazier from Loganville, Ga., was taken No. 5 by the Cleveland Indians. He was selected the Gatorade national player of the year and has hit 41 home runs over the last two seasons.

North Carolina third baseman Colin Moran went to the Miami Marlins at No. 6. Trey Ball, a 6-6 left-hander from New Castle, Ind., was taken at No. 7 by the Boston Red Sox.

Shortstop Hunter Dozier from Stephen F. Austin was taken No. 8 by the Kansas City Royals. Outfielder Austin Meadows from Grayson, Ga., was selected No. 9 by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Toronto Blue Jays took the first Southern California player, high school pitcher Phil Bickford of Westlake Village Oaks Christian at No. 10. At No. 11, first baseman Dominic Smith from Gardena Serra went to the New York Mets.

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