There was a time when Forrest Whitley was considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, if not the top pitching prospect. The Houston Astros starter was a consensus top ten prospect in both 2018 and 2019, someone expected to develop into a top of the rotation starter for years to come.
Although Whitley is still considered a top prospect, some of that shine has faded. On Sunday, he had yet another setback as he has been advised to undergo Tommy John surgery after being diagnosed with a right UCL sprain.
MLB source: It has been recommended to RHP Forrest Whitley that he have Tommy John surgery. Forrest will get a second opinion.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) March 7, 2021
Forrest Whitley unable to fulfill potential for Houston Astros
This injury is just the latest setback for Whitley. He has battled shoulder and oblique issues in the past, and had been shut down during his time in the Astros’ alternate camp with a forearm issue. Whitely also had a 50 game suspension in 2018 due to a positive drug test.
Those injuries have hampered Whitley’s development. He has a grand total of 197 innings as a professional, and has only pitched more than 60 innings in a season once. His results have not exactly lived up to his stature as a top prospect, as he has posted a 4.71 ERA and a 1.350 WHiP. While he has struck out 289 batters, he has also issued 95 walks.
As it currently stands, Whitley will seek out a second opinion. Obviously, he is hoping to avoid surgery and the 12 to 15 month timeline for his recovery. And that timeline would push back his development even further.
It is a disappointing result for Whitley as he was expected to be a part of the Astros rotation this season. As he is still just 23 years old, there is time for him to become the pitcher they hoped for. However, each setback pushes him further behind, making one wonder if he will ever be able to fulfill his potential.
It has been recommended that Forrest Whitley undergo Tommy John surgery. After this latest setback, it is fair to wonder if the Houston Astros prospect will fulfill his potential.