Inside the Astros

New Call-Up Won't Save Houston Astros From Pitching Woes

Former top prospect isn't the answer to the Houston Astros' problems.

Tyler Maher

Apr 16, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Forrest Whitley (60) delivers a pitch in his MLB debut.
Apr 16, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Forrest Whitley (60) delivers a pitch in his MLB debut. / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Desperate times call for desperate measures.

In need of a spark, the slumping Houston Astros called up former top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley on Tuesday to give their pitching staff a boost.

Unfortunately, the move didn't have its desired effect.

The Astros lost again to the Atlanta Braves, 6-2, falling to 6-13 and remaining in last place in the AL West.

Meanwhile, Whitley got his first taste of the big leagues. It could have gone worse, but it also could have gone better.

In his defense, Whitley was thrown into a tough situation by manager Joe Espada.

Houston was already trailing 4-0 when he entered the game in the top of the ninth following Shawn Dubin's meltdown. With one out and runners on second and third, Whitley was already in a jam.

Unfortunately, he didn't get out of it, immediately surrendering a two-run double to the first batter he faced. Whitley then proceeded to hit Ronald Acuna Jr. with a pitch and walked Austin Riley, loading the bases with two outs.

Whitley got out of trouble this time, avoiding further damage. However, he finished his debut with more baserunners allowed (three) than outs (two). He also struggled with his command, throwing just eight of his 18 pitches for strikes.

The Braves have one of the best lineups in baseball, but Whitley hasn't looked very sharp in the minors lately either. The former first-round draft pick has a 6.27 ERA in the minors since the beginning of 2023 and doesn't look like he's going to be a game-changer at the MLB level anymore, especially given his advanced age for a prospect (26).

If the Astros and their fans were counting on Whitley to be a savior, they're going to be sorely disappointed.

Published
Tyler Maher
TYLER MAHER

Tyler grew up in Massachusetts and is a huge Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox. He went to Tufts University and played club baseball for the Jumbos. Since graduating, he has worked for MLB.com, The Game Day, FanDuel and Forbes. When he's not writing about baseball, he enjoys running, traveling, and playing fetch with his golden retriever.

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