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4d ago

Pirates Move Andrew Heaney From Rotation to Bullpen

Don Kelly cited a steep downturn in Heaney’s performance as the reason for the move with the vacant rotation spot to be filled internally without Bubba Chandler.

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Jun 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (45) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Heaney will pitch exclusively in relief for the remainder of the season after allowing 37 earned runs and 13 homers over his last 40⅔ innings.
  • His season ERA has climbed to 4.99 through 119 innings while his strikeout rate has fallen and he’s yielded a career-high 24 home runs.
  • Pittsburgh will not promote top prospect Bubba Chandler for the Sunday start and is weighing a bullpen game or using 40-man options like Carmen Mlodzinski to cover the opener.
  • Shifting Heaney to a relief role jeopardizes up to $750,000 in innings-based bonuses on his one-year deal, reflecting the Pirates’ tight payroll management.
  • After going untraded at the deadline, Heaney remains with the Pirates and his late-season relief work could shape his free-agent market.