Pirates’ Andrew Heaney Updates Injury Status After Leaving Start

Andrew Heaney’s outstanding performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates ended with a minor injury scare.

On Saturday, the Pirates secured their second straight win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Heaney allowed one run over six strong innings in a 2-1 victory at PNC Park, but he left the game with 73 pitches after relinquishing a leadoff double to Alec Bohm and throwing a wild pitch in the seventh.

The Pirates said Heaney exited the start because of left leg cramping. When speaking to reporters after the game, the 34-year-old southpaw downplayed any cause for concern.

“I’m good,” Heaney said. “Yeah, just never had that before, but calf just kind of cramped up on me. Just, I don’t know. Kind of a weird one.”

Pirates manager Don Kelly opted to replace Heaney after trainers consulted him. Heaney said he felt “kind of weird” throughout the game, and the cramp resurfaced on his wild pitch to Nick Castellanos.

“At the end of the day, it’s not that bad,” Heaney said. “But also, I’m not going to go in there and just be zoo-ing things around when we have guys that can come in and get outs. I just told [Kelly and the trainers], ‘Hey, it’s kind of grabbing.’ They said they were going to make a move, and I said, ‘Alright. I’ll give you all the information. You’re the manager, do with it what you want.'”

If not for the cramp, Heaney might have recorded an out beyond the sixth inning for the first time since April 17. Instead, Pittsburgh turned to Isaac Mattson. The 29-year-old rookie, promoted before Saturday’s game, notched his first career win after retiring three straight batters to strand Bohm in scoring position.

“When he was here before, he came in and he pitched well, pitched with emotion,” Heaney said of Mattson. “And so I think he’s the right guy to come in that moment and get three big outs for us right there. Just happy for him. He deserves it. He’s worked hard for us.”

Signed to a one-year deal in February, Heaney has helped stabilize Pittsburgh’s rotation in 2025. Pitching for his fifth different team in as many years, he’s recorded a 3.24 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 72 1/3 innings. Heaney has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of his 13 starts.

Heaney should be able to make his next start, which is currently in line for next week against the Chicago Cubs.

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