On June 13, 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-hander Forrest Whitley from the Houston Astros in exchange for cash considerations.

Whitley, a former first-round draft pick in 2016, was designated for assignment by the Astros earlier in the week after struggling in five appearances this season.

His last appearance for the Astros was on May 31, 2025, where he surrendered five earned runs in just two innings during a heavy loss to the Rays.

Originally drafted as the 17th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Whitley was once a highly regarded pitching prospect, signing for $3.148 million out of high school.

However, his career has been marred by injuries, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

After being converted from a starter to a reliever in 2024, Whitley faced setbacks, including a left knee bone bruise that kept him out of the first 19 games of the 2025 season.

Over his minor league career, he made 117 appearances, including 65 starts, accumulating a record of 17-20 and a 4.75 ERA.

In the 2025 season, he allowed 10 earned runs on nine hits and six walks over 7 1/3 innings, resulting in a dismal 12.27 ERA.

In other injury news, reliever Manny Rodriguez's imaging showed no ligament damage in his right elbow, and he is projected to return in about three weeks.

Additionally, the Rays reported infielder Ha-Seong Kim is dealing with right hamstring tightness and has been pulled off his 20-day rehab assignment.

Rays' baseball operations president Erik Neander described Whitley as a 'classic change of scenery' candidate and believes he is 'worth a shot.'

Due to being out of options, the Rays must make room for Whitley on their 26-man roster when he reports to Tampa, expected on June 16, 2025.