After what’s been an inauspicious start for the Astros bullpen, Houston is set to promote a former top prospect in Forrest Whitley to help their relief core. Whitley was at one point an elite starting pitcher prospect but injuries pushed the righty into a relief role.

A Look at Whitley

It’s been a lengthy road to the Majors for Astros righty Forrest Whitley, who was drafted in the first round by Houston in 2016.

Whitley looked like the next great pitching prospect a year later when he struck out 143 batters over 92.1 IP and jumped to Double-A in his first full pro season. That inning total proved to be his high water mark as a pro, as injuries derailed his momentum.

Whitley dealt with oblique and lat issues in 2018, as well as a drug suspension. Shoulder fatigue in 2019 and Tommy John surgery in 2021 also played a factor in Whitley’s inability to stay on the field. And last year, the Astros moved the once-promising starter to the bullpen.

It’s a move that makes sense, given Whitley’s durability issues, as well as command. Whitley often dealt with walk issues before the move to the pen.

In the bullpen, Whitley’s fastball velocity is up to the upper 90s with both his four-seamer and two-seamer. He’ll pair those two with a hard slider and a curveball that sits in the mid-80s.

Whitley would regularly work in a changeup, a pitch that received rave reviews years ago, last year but hasn’t leaned on it in 2024.

Analysis

Whitley may no longer be the prospect he once was — but the Astros righty can still be an effective reliever with the arsenal he possesses.

His fastball velocity has jumped and his secondary offerings, when healthy, could make him a unique arm out of Houston’s bullpen.

The Astros bullpen could use a fresh arm at this point, as several of Houston’s premier relievers have struggled to start 2024. Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu have both been hit around, while new closer Josh Hader owns an ERA of 9.39 as of April 16.