Forrest Whitley Returns After Astros Activate Him Off Injured List for the Second Time
Could this finally be the moment for former top Houston Astros prospect Forrest Whitley to make his mark?
The ongoing story of Whitley and the Astros continues as the team has activated the right-hander off the injured list for the second time this season. As reported by Julia Morales of Space City Home Network, Whitley’s activation means that Brandon Walter, who was called up to start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, has been optioned back to Triple-A Sugar Land.
At the start of the season, Whitley was expected to play a key role in the bullpen, but once again, injuries have hindered his progress.
After suffering a left knee injury during spring training, the Astros placed him on the 15-day injured list. He was activated on April 19 and made his first appearance just two days later, throwing two hitless innings with two strikeouts and no walks. That brief outing showed the potential that had once earned Whitley the title of one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, before suspensions and injuries slowed his career.
However, that performance would be his last, as Whitley returned to the 15-day IL shortly after with a left knee sprain.
Now, he’s back once again. While that might have been exciting news a few years ago, Whitley’s repeated trips to the injured list have made it difficult to fully trust that he can stay healthy and contribute consistently.
For now, it’s a “wait and see” situation. The Astros are happy to have him back, but Whitley will need to prove he can stay on the field for longer than just a couple of weeks before he becomes a reliable part of the team’s plans.
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