Prior to the 2019 season, there was hope among Astros fans that top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley would add a boost to the starting rotation in the second half of the season. Unfortunately for all parties involved, that hope did not turn into reality.
Whitley started the year in Triple-A but struggled mightily. He made five starts and three relief appearances and allowed 33 earned runs in 24.1 innings. He allowed hits and walks at an alarming rate, leading to the Astros shutting him down and placing him on the Injured List with shoulder fatigue.