Nearly a decade after it began, the Forrest Whitley experiment in Houston now appears over. Whitley, a first-round pick by the Astros in 2017 and the team's top prospect from 2018-21, was designated for assignment on Sunday. Houston will now either trade Whitley, place him on waivers, or release him outright.

Former first-round pick, Forrest Whitley has been designated for assignment, the Houston Astros announced Sunday. Whitely, who has battled injuries this season, was try to stick with the team in the bullpen. He had appeared in five games with a 12.27 ERA.

The Houston Astros designated right-hander Forrest Whitley for assignment on Sunday, putting their tumultuous, nine-year partnership with the pitcher in peril. Once touted as the top starting pitching prospect in baseball,