The Houston Astros are bolstering their bullpen with a local talent from the Alamo Heights, San Antonio burgeoning with potential despite his rocky journey through the minors. Forrest Whitley, the former Alamo Heights star and a once-touted pitching prospect, has been called up to the major leagues. The 26-year-old right-hander has made the leap from Triple-A Sugar Land to the Astros, as confirmed by sources familiar with the move.

Whitley's career has been anything but a straight shot to the big leagues, facing setbacks including injuries and a suspension. He was drafted by the Astros as the 17th overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft. Despite his challenges, including a 50-game suspension in 2018 for violating MLB's drug prevention and treatment program and an elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery in 2021, Whitley is now getting his shot on an Astros team in need of fresh arms in the pen. According to Express News, he's made three one-inning relief appearances this season.

The towering 6-foot-7 pitcher's ascension adds a rich narrative to Houston's season. With a minor league career ERA of 7.01 over 129 ⅔ innings across four seasons, his stats have been less than stellar. Yet, his physical presence and high-velocity pitches have consistently placed him among prospects to watch. Whitley, who's been part of the Astros' farm system since 2016, has also pitched impressively for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in Triple-A since July 2021, reported KENS 5.

The call-up means Houston will have to make a corresponding active roster move since Whitley is already on the 40-man roster. After starting his season on a minor-league injured list, he is ready to contribute to an Astros bullpen that has seen heavy usage early this season. His arrival is a testament to endurance and the potential for redemption in the world of professional sports, allowing him to finally grab his slice of Major League action and possibly turn around a once-uncertain career.