CHICAGO — The Pirates are moving Andrew Heaney to the bullpen, opening up a spot in their rotation that is certainly cause for intrigue.
Manager Don Kelly told reporters at Wrigley Field that Heaney will be available out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season, starting Saturday.
“He’s totally open to it, helping the team in any way possible,” Kelly said. “Just trying to put him in a good spot, too, to help us win a game.”
The news was announced after the pregame clubhouse media availability concluded, so Heaney was not immediately available for comment.
The change comes after an elongated slump for Heaney. He has allowed 39 runs (37 earned) and 13 home runs over his last 10 outings, nine of which were starts. That equates to an 8.19 ERA over his last 40 2/3 innings, raising his season ERA to 4.99.
The Pirates do not have an announced starter for Sunday, and having an open spot in the rotation is going to spark speculation.
Bubba Chandler — the top pitching prospect in the game according to MLB Pipeline — is scheduled to start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, so assuming he isn’t a late scratch, he’s not going to be an option for this weekend. Even if he makes that start with Indianapolis, he could very well be a candidate to take the spot.
Chandler isn’t on the 40-man roster at this time, but the Pirates have two spots open. There are not enough days in the season remaining for Chandler to lose his rookie status, so assuming he doesn’t throw 50 Major League innings, he will still be considered a rookie for 2026.
Chandler isn’t the only pitcher worth monitoring down the stretch. Johan Oviedo is eligible to be recalled from the Minors starting Aug. 21, so he could be a candidate for Heaney’s spot in the rotation as well. Hunter Barco (the No. 87 prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline) has a 2.57 ERA in the Minors this year, but he hasn’t thrown more than four innings in a start in his last five outings, so he may not be as likely as a candidate. Thomas Harrington has made three Major League appearances, but is currently on Indianapolis’ injured list with a right groin strain.
