Astros’ Forrest Whitley Set for Rehab Outing with Triple-A Sugar Land as He Works Back from Knee Injury
Houston, TX – May 13, 2025 — The Houston Astros are eyeing a potential bullpen reinforcement as reliever Forrest Whitley is scheduled to take the mound for a minor-league rehab appearance Tuesday with Triple-A Sugar Land, according to manager Joe Espada. The outing marks a significant step in Whitley’s recovery from a left knee sprain that sidelined him late last month.
Whitley was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 27 after experiencing discomfort in the same knee that had already caused him to miss the start of the season. Initially diagnosed with a bone bruise, the right-hander was activated on April 19 and made a single appearance for Houston before being shut down again.
Tuesday’s rehab outing is expected to be brief — Whitley is slated to pitch one inning, according to Espada. While the team has not provided a definitive timeline for his return to the major league roster, this first appearance could provide critical insight into his progress and durability. The number of additional rehab outings he may require remains uncertain.
“We just want to see how he feels, how the knee responds,” Espada said before Monday night’s game. “If everything goes well, we’ll build from there.”
Whitley, once considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, has faced a series of setbacks in recent years, including injuries and command issues that have delayed his rise to a consistent MLB role. Over the last two seasons, he’s made just four major league relief appearances, including a promising two-inning scoreless outing on April 21 — his lone appearance this season before returning to the injured list.
Despite the challenges, Astros officials remain optimistic about Whitley’s potential contribution to a bullpen that may soon need reinforcements. The team is currently in the middle of a grueling 17-game stretch in 17 days, and Whitley’s ability to cover multiple innings could provide critical support.
“We’re going to need arms,” Espada added. “And if Forrest can be one of them, he can really help us through this stretch.”
The Astros will continue to monitor Whitley’s progress closely. If the rehab goes smoothly and his knee shows no signs of setbacks, he could be activated and rejoin the big league club within the coming weeks.
As the team manages a tight schedule and battles injuries across the roster, Whitley’s return — if healthy and effective — could be a quietly pivotal boost to the Astros’ pitching staff during a crucial portion of the season.