The Houston Astros have traded former top prospect Forrest Whitley to the Tampa Bay Rays after designating him for assignment. This marks the end of Whitley’s time with Houston, where he was once heralded as the best pitching prospect in baseball before injuries hindered his development. Since being drafted in 2016, he has struggled with injuries, including Tommy John surgery and multiple stints on the injured list.

Whitley made his major league debut last season but has been unable to find success, posting an 8.44 ERA in limited appearances. Despite his poor performance, Astros manager Joe Espada believes Whitley still possesses significant potential and can benefit from this change, allowing him to reset and hopefully reclaim his status as a top-tier pitcher.

Forrest Whitley, once regarded as a top pitching prospect for the Houston Astros, has been designated for assignment, marking a potentially pivotal moment in his career. After being drafted in the first round in 2016, Whitley has struggled through a series of injuries and performance issues that have limited his impact in the majors, leading to a disappointing 12.27 ERA in just five appearances this season.

After starting the year on the injured list due to a knee injury, Whitley made a brief return but was unable to secure a consistent role. The Astros are now faced with the decision of whether to trade him or risk losing him on waivers. With his minor-league options exhausted, any team that claims him would need to place him on their active roster, making him an intriguing option for those looking to bolster their bullpen.

The Texas Rangers faced a setback with outfielder Evan Carter being placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right quad strain, effective retroactively from May 17. In his brief stint since returning to the majors, Carter managed a lackluster .182 batting average with only one home run and three RBIs over 11 games. Meanwhile, Kevin Pillar is back in action after recovering from a back strain, rejoining the lineup.

The Rangers also shuffled their pitching staff, sending right-hander Cole Winn to Triple-A Round Rock while calling up Caleb Boushley. These moves come as the team seeks to improve on its performances and maintain competitiveness as the season progresses.

In a recent update from the Texas Rangers, utility player Josh Smith is dealing with back soreness, causing him to miss the game against the Colorado Rockies. Smith has shown impressive versatility this season, playing seven different positions and maintaining a solid batting average of .316. His recent collision at first base with Romy Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox didn’t sideline him, but the current back issue raises concerns about his durability.

Additionally, Kumar Rocker is making strides in his recovery from a right shoulder impingement, having thrown a bullpen session with positive feedback. Meanwhile, Cody Bradford is set to return to action with a bullpen session after recovering from an elbow sprain, and outfielder Kevin Pillar feels ready to return shortly from the injured list due to lower back inflammation. Overall, the Rangers are hoping for a quick return to health for their players as they navigate the season.