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Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 64 Caption Close Image 2 of 64 Marlins second baseman Jordany Valdespin (1) signals timeout after his triple. Marlins second baseman Jordany Valdespin (1) signals timeout after his triple. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 3 of 64 Astros first baseman Marc Krauss (18) leaps up in an effort to get his glove on a home run hit by Marlins first baseman Garrett Jones. Astros first baseman Marc Krauss (18) leaps up in an effort to get his glove on a home run hit by Marlins first baseman Garrett Jones. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 4 of 64 Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner (33) pitches in the first inning. Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner (33) pitches in the first inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 5 of 64 Image 6 of 64 Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) confers with hitting coach John Mallee (11) before his at bat. Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) confers with hitting coach John Mallee (11) before his at bat. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 7 of 64 Astros manager Bo Porter (16) in the dugout. Astros manager Bo Porter (16) in the dugout. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 8 of 64 Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) rounds third base and after his home run in the first inning. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) rounds third base and after his home run in the first inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 9 of 64 Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) runs around around first after his single with a Marlins throwing error allowing him to take second base. Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) runs around around first after his single with a Marlins throwing error allowing him to take second base. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 10 of 64 Image 11 of 64 Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) reacts after striking out. Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) reacts after striking out. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 12 of 64 Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) wipes his face in the dugout. Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) wipes his face in the dugout. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 13 of 64 Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a single. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a single. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 14 of 64 Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after stealing second base. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after stealing second base. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 15 of 64 Image 16 of 64 Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) on third base with Astros third base coach Pat Listach (20). Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) on third base with Astros third base coach Pat Listach (20). Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 17 of 64 Astros left fielder Kiké Hernandez (6) reacts after striking out. Astros left fielder Kiké Hernandez (6) reacts after striking out. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 18 of 64 Astros left fielder Kiké Hernandez (6) reacts after striking out. Astros left fielder Kiké Hernandez (6) reacts after striking out. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 19 of 64 Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh (31) makes the throw to first on a sacrifice bunt by Marlins second baseman Jordany Valdespin. Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh (31) makes the throw to first on a sacrifice bunt by Marlins second baseman Jordany Valdespin. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 20 of 64 Image 21 of 64 Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) on second base. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) on second base. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 22 of 64 Astros center fielder Dexter Fowler stands in the dugout. Astros center fielder Dexter Fowler stands in the dugout. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 23 of 64 Astros right fielder George Springer (4) in the dugout. Astros right fielder George Springer (4) in the dugout. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 24 of 64 Brad Guzan, goalie for English Premier League club Aston Villa throws out the first pitch. Brad Guzan, goalie for English Premier League club Aston Villa throws out the first pitch. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 25 of 64 Image 26 of 64 <center><b><h3>July 26: Marlins 7, Astros 3</h3></b></center> <center>Jarred Cosart throws in the first inning. <center><b><h3>July 26: Marlins 7, Astros 3</h3></b></center> <center>Jarred Cosart throws in the first inning. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 27 of 64 <center>Jason Castro hits a home run in the first inning. <center>Jason Castro hits a home run in the first inning. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 28 of 64 <center>Jason Castro hits a home run in the first inning against. <center>Jason Castro hits a home run in the first inning against. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 29 of 64 <center>Enrique Hernandez makes an over the shoulder catch in the second inning. <center>Enrique Hernandez makes an over the shoulder catch in the second inning. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 30 of 64 Image 31 of 64 <center>Miami's Christian Yelich scores in the second inning. <center>Miami's Christian Yelich scores in the second inning. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 32 of 64 <center>Enrique Hernandez doubles in the second inning. <center>Enrique Hernandez doubles in the second inning. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 33 of 64 <center>Miami's Jordany Valdespin is tagged out by Jon Singleton in the fourth inning. <center>Miami's Jordany Valdespin is tagged out by Jon Singleton in the fourth inning. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 34 of 64 <center>Tony Sipp throws in the eighth inning. <center>Tony Sipp throws in the eighth inning. Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images Image 35 of 64 Image 36 of 64 <center>Marwin Gonzalez fields a ball during the fourth inning. <center>Marwin Gonzalez fields a ball during the fourth inning. Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press Image 37 of 64 <center>Marwin Gonzalez cannot catch up to a ball hit for a single during the sixth inning. <center>Marwin Gonzalez cannot catch up to a ball hit for a single during the sixth inning. Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press Image 38 of 64 <center>Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez fields a ball during the fourth inning. <center>Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez fields a ball during the fourth inning. Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press Image 39 of 64 <center>Astros first baseman Jon Singleton fields a ball during the eighth inning. <center>Astros first baseman Jon Singleton fields a ball during the eighth inning. Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press Image 40 of 64 Image 41 of 64 <center>Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez fields a ball during the fourth inning. <center>Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez fields a ball during the fourth inning. Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press Image 42 of 64 <center><b><h3>July 25: Marlins 2, Astros 0</h3></b></center> Jose Altuve sits on second base as his stolen base was challenged, and overturned, during the sixth inning. <center><b><h3>July 25: Marlins 2, Astros 0</h3></b></center> Jose Altuve sits on second base as his stolen base was challenged, and overturned, during the sixth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 43 of 64 <center>Jose Altuve (27) sits on second base as his stolen base was challenged, and overturned, during the sixth inning. <center>Jose Altuve (27) sits on second base as his stolen base was challenged, and overturned, during the sixth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 44 of 64 <center>Dallas Keuchel pitches during the first inning. <center>Dallas Keuchel pitches during the first inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 45 of 64 Image 46 of 64 <center>Astros head trainer Nate Lucero checks on Dallas Keuchel after the pitcher was hit by a line drive during the second inning. <center>Astros head trainer Nate Lucero checks on Dallas Keuchel after the pitcher was hit by a line drive during the second inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 47 of 64 <center>Jose Altuve runs to catch a ground ball during the first inning. <center>Jose Altuve runs to catch a ground ball during the first inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 48 of 64 <center>Jose Altuve runs to catch a ground ball during the first inning. <center>Jose Altuve runs to catch a ground ball during the first inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 49 of 64 <center>L.J. Hoes reacts after striking out during the third inning. <center>L.J. Hoes reacts after striking out during the third inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 50 of 64 Image 51 of 64 <center>Gregorio Petit hits during the third inning. <center>Gregorio Petit hits during the third inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 52 of 64 <center>Gregorio Petit fist bumps third base coach Pat Listach during the third inning. <center>Gregorio Petit fist bumps third base coach Pat Listach during the third inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 53 of 64 <center>Matt Dominguez tries to make an off-balance throw to first base during the fourth inning. <center>Matt Dominguez tries to make an off-balance throw to first base during the fourth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 54 of 64 <center>Matt Dominguez tries to make an off-balance throw to first base during the fourth inning. <center>Matt Dominguez tries to make an off-balance throw to first base during the fourth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 55 of 64 Image 56 of 64 <center>Gregorio Petit reaches for a sharply hit single during the fourth inning. <center>Gregorio Petit reaches for a sharply hit single during the fourth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 57 of 64 <center>Chris Carter strikes out during the fourth inning. <center>Chris Carter strikes out during the fourth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 58 of 64 <center>Jose Altuve, right, and Gregorio Petit celebrate the end the top of the fifth inning. <center>Jose Altuve, right, and Gregorio Petit celebrate the end the top of the fifth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 59 of 64 <center>Gregorio Petit leaps over Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano as he throws to first during the sixth inning. <center>Gregorio Petit leaps over Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano as he throws to first during the sixth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 60 of 64 Image 61 of 64 <center>Gregorio Petit throws his bat back as he races to first on a pop up to the pitcher during the sixth inning. <center>Gregorio Petit throws his bat back as he races to first on a pop up to the pitcher during the sixth inning. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 62 of 64 <center>Gregorio Petit warms up during batting practice. <center>Gregorio Petit warms up during batting practice. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 63 of 64 <center>From left to right, Marc Krauss, Marwin Gonzalez, Carlos Corporan and L.J. Hoes during the National Anthem. <center>From left to right, Marc Krauss, Marwin Gonzalez, Carlos Corporan and L.J. Hoes during the National Anthem. Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Image 64 of 64 Appel's fast track causing Astros' clubhouse uproar 1 / 64 Back to Gallery

In a sport that prides itself on being a meritocracy that requires bonus babies and 30th-round guys to all pay their dues, Mark Appel’s presence at Minute Maid Park on Sunday and his promotion to Class AA Corpus Christi created a stir in the Astros’ clubhouse.

“Unbelievable,” one Astros said. “I’m not in a good mood.”

A few minutes later, another Astro approached a reporter to offer his thoughts while the media waited to speak with farm director Quinton McCracken and manager Bo Porter in the home dugout.

“So now you get rewarded for having an 11 ERA? And you have two guys down there (at Class A Lancaster) with 2 ERAs who can’t get called up?” the Astros player said on the condition of anonymity, alluding to Appel’s ERA and lefthander Josh Hader’s superb season at Lancaster.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, who set up Appel’s bullpen, did not respond to multiple requests to comment on Appel’s visit or his players’ feelings.

Appel, who was given a $6.35 million bonus last year after he was taken first overall in the 2013 draft after his senior season at Stanford, was promoted to Class AA Corpus Christi despite a 2-5 record and 9.74 ERA over 12 starts and 44 1/3 innings. Hader is 9-1 with a 2.46 ERA.

Appel threw his bullpen session under the supervision of Astros pitching coach Brent Strom. Unlike most pitchers, however, he was walked back to the clubhouse through the back of the stadium instead of the dugout entrance, keeping him away from the media.

Without discussing Appel by name, Astros manager Bo Porter was clearly aware about the resentment in his clubhouse before the final game of a three-game series against the Marlins.

“Any time something affects your clubhouse, I think as the manager you have to handle it,” he said. “I will handle it internally. It’s unfortunate that they have been put in that position. But as the manager I will handle it internally.”

Pressed a bit more about baseball’s meritocracy, Porter appeared to at least understand his players’ feelings.

“When you talk about earning a right to be here, I think it’s something again that’s a well known fact in baseball that I think that everyone does everything they can to abide by,” Porter said. “But at the same time I’m not going to speak for the feelings of the people that probably were offended.

“But at the same time I will handle those conversations internally with our players, allow them to speak their minds and I will address it accordingly.”

McCracken, 43, didn’t seem surprised by the outcry. He spent 12 years in the major leagues and remains highly respected around the game because of the way he played and handled himself.

He urges players to not be concerned with which players do or don’t deserve promotions.

“You can’t get caught up in that,” he said. “We’ll relay that to them, and they shouldn’t get caught up in that. And the same applies to our big leaguers. They need to focus on the job at hand, which is coming out here and helping us win games.

“Getting caught up with what a minor league player does shouldn’t affect them. They’re professionals. They’re getting paid handsomely to do a job and we expect them to go out there and do a job.”

jesus.ortiz@chron.com

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