Forrest Whitley was drafted in the first round by the Houston Astros in 2016, the 17th pick overall. (Baseball Reference Photo)

Buster Olney of ESPN has reported that Houston Astros pitching prospect Forrest Whitley has been suspended for 50 games, apparently for a substance-abuse issue.

Whitley, a 6-feet, 7-inch right-hander from San Antonio, saw action in seven games for the Buies Creek Astros of the high Class A Carolina League last season.

He compiled a 3-1 record for the area team with a 3.16 earned run average. Whitley, 20, struck out 50 in 31 and one-third innings with Buies Creek.

Whitley joined Buies Creek on July 3 last season and went up to Double-A Corpus Christi of the Texas League on Aug. 17.