Astros GM won't hesitate to bring Correa, Appel 'straight up from Double-A'

The Houston Astros want to be contenders in 2015 after stockpiling young talent for countless seasons.

General manager Jeff Luhnow proved this change in mentality by signing free-agent relievers Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek in the offseason and pulling off a trade to bring Evan Gattis' big bat to Houston.

Luhnow also won't hesitate to promote the club's elite prospects - Carlos Correa and Mark Appel -  in order to provide a boost.

"We're not gonna hesitate to bring them straight up from Double-A if the need arises," Luhrow said on MLB Network Radio.

Correa, selected first overall in 2012, slashed .325/.416/.510 as a 19-year-old in High-A last season. The shortstop is considered the No. 2 prospect in baseball behind Byron Buxton, according to MLB.com. He did, however, fracture his fibula in June, which halted his development in 2014 to a degree.

Appel, also a first overall selection a year later, is the most promising pitcher in the Astros' system. The righty struggled with Advanced-A Lancaster last year, but settled down to a 3.69 ERA after a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi.

The Astros signed veteran shortstop Jed Lowrie to a three-year contract in the offseason to hold them over until Correa fully develops, while Appel's chances of cracking the starting rotation could fade once Brad Peacock (hip) and Brett Oberholtzer (finger) are healthy.