The Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation has been a strength for much of the season, ranking eighth in MLB in ERA at 3.85. Given the loss of Bailey Falter at the MLB Trade Deadline and the recent struggles of Andrew Heaney, however, the unit is facing some uncertainty down the stretch.
Heaney endured another rough outing on Monday, allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits and two walks in four innings against the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers. He surrendered a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first and another homer during the Brewers’ four-run third, leading to a 7-1 loss for the Pirates.
With the loss, Heaney fell to 5-10 with a 4.99 ERA and a 5.52 FIP. The veteran lefty got off to a good start this season but has slumped lately, going 2-5 with an 8.19 ERA and a 7.56 FIP over his last 10 outings.
With the 34-year-old on an expiring contract, he may not return to Pittsburgh in 2026. As such, there’s been some speculation that the Pirates might remove Heaney from the rotation and give a younger pitcher (like Bubba Chandler) a chance.
Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly discussed Heaney’s rotation spot with the media following Monday’s loss.
Story continues below advertisement
“We’re always talking about different ways to put the guys in the best position for them and also to put the team in the best position to win the game, and those conversations are always going on,” Kelly said. “Too soon to say (whether a change will be made), but just always having conversations around that.”
One main issue for the Pirates is that Heaney hasn’t been giving them much length lately, averaging four innings over his last 10 starts (during which the team is 2-8). With its bullpen starting to wear down at this stage of the season, Pittsburgh needs someone who can get outs and pitch deeper into games.
As it stands, Heaney’s next rotation turn is scheduled for this weekend against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He’ll try to bounce back on the road, where he’s 1-7 with a 6.86 ERA in 59 innings this year.
Story continues below advertisement
More Pirates: Where Does Paul Skenes Rank Among MLB’s Top 50 Players?
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images