The Astros introduced earlier in the present day that they’ve activated right-hander Forrest Whitley from the injured listing. Righty Nick Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding transfer.
The transfer units up what may very well be the primary prolonged shot within the majors of Whitley’s profession. Chosen seventeenth general by the Astros all the best way again in 2016, Whitley was a consensus top-10 prospect in your entire sport within the late 2010s and regarded by many to be the most effective up-and-coming younger pitcher within the minor leagues. Sadly, issues got here off the rails considerably for the righty from there. He was suspended for 50 video games for violating MiLB’s drug coverage previous to the 2018 season, and that suspension, shoulder points, the canceled minor league season in 2020, and Tommy John surgical procedure led to Whitley throwing simply 66 innings in minor league video games over a four-year interval.
When he lastly made his method again onto the mound in 2022, the outcomes weren’t good. Whitley struggled to a 6.53 ERA in 40 innings unfold throughout three ranges of the minors, together with a 7.09 ERA at Triple-A. He struggled once more the next yr with a 5.70 ERA in 30 innings earlier than being sidelined by a lat pressure however caught round to make his huge league debut final yr. He threw simply three innings within the majors final yr however didn’t give up a run and likewise posted a wonderful 1.89 ERA with a 31.9% strikeout price in 32 appearances at Triple-A final yr after transferring to the bullpen.
A bone bruise in Whitley’s left knee prevented him from making the Astros’ roster out of camp this yr, however the concern didn’t hold him sidelined for lengthy. Since Whitley is out of choices, he needed to both be designated for project or added to the Astros’ huge league roster as soon as he was able to be activated from the injured listing. Houston selected to convey him again as much as the majors, and he’s now set to hitch a bullpen that has nearly no certainty exterior of nearer Josh Hader and prime setup man Bryan Abreu. Bryan King has regarded good as one other potential excessive leverage arm from the left aspect to enhance Hader, however there’s little in Whitley’s option to cease him from turning into the membership’s second excessive leverage arm from the fitting aspect after this offseason’s Ryan Pressly commerce vacated the position.
With that being stated, the righty might want to present higher management than he did throughout his newest stint at Triple-A. Whereas Whitley struck out a strong 26.3% of his opponents throughout his newest rehab project, he walked an unplayable 21.1% of batters as nicely. Luckily, that was throughout a pattern of simply 4 appearances. It’s by no means troublesome to think about a participant with Whitley’s expertise and prospect pedigree lastly with the ability to put issues collectively within the majors this yr, notably now that he’s moved to the bullpen full-time in a transfer that ought to assist to attenuate damage threat.
Making room for Whitley on the Astros’ energetic roster is the departure of Hernandez, who will head to Triple-A Sugar Land and await his subsequent alternative. Hernandez departs the roster with out having made an look this yr, although he has a 9.00 ERA in seven appearances with the Astros and Padres in his profession since debuting with San Diego again in 2023. The 28-year-old’s profession 3.34 ERA at Triple-A suggests there’s motive for optimism he may very well be efficient within the majors if supplied the chance, however he doesn’t seem ticketed for an prolonged look within the majors any time quickly given the present building of Houston’s bullpen.
