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.

The Houston Astros designated right-hander Forrest Whitley for assignment on Sunday, putting their tumultuous, nine-year partnership with the pitcher in peril. Once touted as the top starting pitching prospect in baseball,

The move created an active roster spot for left-hander Brandon Walter, who was recalled from Triple-A to start Sunday's series finale for the Astros against the Guardians at Progressive Field. The Astros will have seven days to trade Whitley or place him on waivers,