Two Former ‘Cats Named to MLB Futures Game Roster

Pitcher Mark Appel and outfielder Tony Kemp have been named to the U.S. Team in the Futures Game, set to take place on July 12, two days before the MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

Both players represent the Astros, and both players saw their earliest professional baseball right here in Troy with the Tri-City ValleyCats.

Appel, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft, made two starts for the 'Cats in 2013. He pitched just five innings with a 3.60 ERA. He was the No. 2 prospect in the organization coming into this season, according to Baseball America.

He was 2-2 with a 2.81 in AA this season and just earned a promotion to AAA.

Kemp, a former Vanderbilt standout, was an integral part of the 'Cats team that won the 2013 New York-Penn League title. He hit .282 in 48 games for Tri-City that season before being promoted.

Also recently promoted to AAA, he hit .230 in 49 AA games this year.