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.

Former first-round pick, Forrest Whitley has been designated for assignment, the Houston Astros announced Sunday. Whitely, who has battled injuries this season, was try to stick with the team in the bullpen. He had appeared in five games with a 12.27 ERA.

The team recently designated the 27-year-old for assignment, who will now either be traded, placed on waivers, or released outright. It is a disappointing day for Whitley and the Astros, who had high hopes for their former top prospect and 2016 Draft first-round pick.