Astros Top Pitching Prospect Forrest Whitley Hits the 7-Day IL Amid Struggles at Triple-A

One of the most exciting prospects in baseball is headed to the injured list.

Houston Astros minor leaguer and baseball's third ranked overall pitching prospect Forrest Whitley has been sent to the 7-day IL due to shoulder fatigue amid his struggles in Triple-A.

In eight appearances with Triple-A Round Rock, Whitley hasn't lived up to his top prospect billing, posting an absurd 12.21 ERA with a grotesque 2.055 WHIP.

He's been able to miss bats, striking out 29 batters thus far, but his control has been spotty at best. He's dealt out 15 free passes this year, four more than the 11 he issued in eight starts in Double-A last season.

Whitley has been held in high regard within the Astros organization ever since the team drafted him 17th overall back in 2016, but it's safe to say he hasn't lived up to the billing this season.

He's expected to head to Florida for his rehab stint. It would be wise of the Astros to play things safe and not rush back a young arm that could be prone to more injury.

Hitting the shelf could end up being the best thing for Whitley, as it'll present an opportunity for him to take a mental break and perhaps come back having made some adjustments.

Hopefully his early season woes are nothing more than a blip on the radar, and the IL stint is a great way for him to turn the corner.