Should of drafted Buxton

First things first: I know about the title. It's part of the joke.

Mark Appel's first professional pitch got taken deep in the gap by Lowell's Tzu-Wei Lin for a triple, and the next 25 pitches of his outing saw Appel give up 3H/2R (1ER) with 1K:0BB. (Keep in mind his last start was May 24).

After the game, he said:
Welcome to pro ball, I guess.

Manager Ed Romero:
I think he battled. After the first pitch, I think he was in war. Basically, I think it's going to be something he's going to learn from. I think next time he'll be prepared. 

Pitching coach Doug White:
I just think the first inning was more like he's in a spot and it's a new experience. All the eyes are on him. I don't think it was anything other than his fastball was up a little bit and he got hit just like anybody would at any point in his career. 

Appel told the Troy Record (also, spoiler alert, future opponents):
I guess I throw a first-pitch fastball every game I start. I left it up a little but he put a good swing on it...I think it's a good starting point for the rest of the season. I was glad to get out there and get my feet wet and get my work in. That's what it's all about right now.

Provided he sticks on a regular schedule, Appel's next start will be Wednesday at Mahoning Valley, and then July 15 at Batavia. If I'm guessing, I'll say he makes his final start at Tri-City on Saturday, July 20 at home to Hudson Valley before moving...somewhere.