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.