Forrest Whitley, one of the game's top pitching prospects, has been suspended 50 games for a violation of minor league baseball's drug program, Major League Baseball announced on Wednesday.

Whitley, 20, was a first-round pick of the Houston Astros in 2016.

"Obviously as an organization we're going to suffer a little bit, but we're still hopeful and optimistic that Forrest can be a big part of our future," Jeff Luhnow said.

A product of Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Whitley advanced from low-A ball to Double-A last season.

Whitley is ranked eight among Keith Law's top 100 prospects this spring.