Andrew Heaney To Start Friday

Sep 21, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Andrew Heaney throws the ball in the seventh inning in a game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Ballpark. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week I wrote an article in which I wishfully joked that I would like to see Andrew Heaney get another start. I didn’t think it was a possibility since the Marlins had shown virtually no interest in starting him since his season ended in the minor leagues a few weeks ago. He did receive two appearances in relief, but I wanted to see what he could do from start to finish.

Christina De Nicola from Fox Sports Florida wrote an article about Heaney getting the start, as well as the rest of the rotation the Marlins will use in 2014. Other Miami pitchers include Tom Koehler, Jarred Cosart, Nathan Eovaldi, and Henderson Alvarez closing out the season.

I am really excited about Andrew Heaney though. Since returning to the Marlins in September, Heaney has thrown 4.2 innings, striking out 4 and allowing only 2 hits and no runs. Admittedly this is an extremely, extremely small sample size, but it is encouraging. His last few appearances in the minors before getting called up didn’t yield great results, but I am confident that Heaney has the ability to make the adjustments needed.

Heaney will start against the Washington Nationals who are playoff bound, and showing no signs of slowing down. They have largely been playing starters as oppose to resting them, a strategy likely born from their playoff disappointment 2 years ago. I would expect Heaney to face a lineup that is fairly competitive. At the very least, it will likely be slightly better than the one that Henderson Alvarez faced in game 162 of last year against Detroit.

Be sure to tune in as Miami’s top prospect will make his final start on Friday evening!