The Miami Marlins optioned starting pitcher Andrew Heaney back to Triple-A New Orleans after his rough start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, the team announced. The well-regarded prospect struggled in his first go at the big league level, getting beat up multiple times during his two-plus weeks in South Beach.
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Heaney, 23, made his MLB debut on June 19 against the New York Mets, allowing just one run and four hits over six innings. At that point, Miami’s decision to replace Jacob Turner in the rotation seemed like a smart choice, but the next few weeks wouldn’t be nearly as kind to Heaney.
In his next start on June 24, Heaney allowed five runs in five innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, then five days later, he gave up four runs in five innings to Oakland. The wheels come off completely in the start against St. Louis, as he allowed eight hits, three walks and five runs before getting pulled in the fourth inning.
One of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Heaney was rated as one of the top-30 prospects in baseball entering the 2014 season by both Baseball America and MLB.com. The ninth overall pick in the 2012 draft, he’s made 13 starts between Double-A and Triple-A this season, recording a 2.47 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 15 walks.
The Marlins also made some other minor moves Saturday, bringing back starter Tom Koehler from paternity leave and activating infielder Adeiny Hechavarria from the disabled list. In other to free up roster space, outfielder Jake Marisnick was also sent to New Orleans.