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.

The Houston Astros designated reliever Forrest Whitley for assignment Sunday, potentially ending the former top pitching prospect's tenure in the organization. Whitley, a first-round draft pick in 2016,

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,