When it comes to understanding a baseball team’s roster, it’s essential to know the roles and responsibilities of each player.
One such player is Andrew Heaney, a starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers. With the 2022 MLB season underway, Heaney’s role on the team is crucial to the Rangers’ success.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into Heaney’s career, his current role on the team, and compare him to other starting pitchers in the league. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether Andrew Heaney is a starting pitcher and his significance to the Texas Rangers.
Andrew Heaney’s Career
Andrew Heaney is a left-handed pitcher who began his career in the MLB in 2014 with the Miami Marlins. He was a top prospect in the Marlins’ organization, ranked as the 30th best prospect in baseball by MLB.com in 2014.
He made his debut on June 19th, 2014, and pitched for the Marlins for two seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015.
Heaney’s role on the Dodgers was mostly in the minor leagues, and he only pitched in one game for the Dodgers in 2015. The following year, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he began to establish himself as a starting pitcher.
Heaney made 23 starts in 2018 and 30 starts in 2019, pitching a total of 180 innings with a 4.15 ERA and 173 strikeouts.
In 2020, Heaney’s role on the Angels shifted, and he made only 12 starts in the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He had a 4.46 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 66.2 innings pitched.
In 2021, Heaney was traded to the New York Yankees mid-season, where he made nine starts and pitched 44.1 innings with a 5.82 ERA and 44 strikeouts.
Overall, Heaney’s career in the MLB has been characterized by his ability to be a reliable starting pitcher, making over 20 starts in a season three times in his career.
While he has had some struggles and inconsistencies, Heaney has shown flashes of brilliance and has evolved into a dependable starter throughout his career.
Andrew Heaney’s Role on the Texas Rangers
Andrew Heaney joined the Texas Rangers as a free agent ahead of the 2022 MLB season. He was signed to a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the expectation that he would serve as a starting pitcher in the Rangers’ rotation.
Since joining the team, Heaney has been a consistent presence in the rotation, making regular starts and pitching in key games for the team.
Heaney’s role on the Rangers is that of a reliable left-handed starting pitcher. He has been slotted in as the number three starter in the Rangers’ rotation, behind Dane Dunning and Kyle Gibson.
Heaney has made six starts for the Rangers so far in the 2022 season, pitching a total of 30.1 innings with a 5.04 ERA and 36 strikeouts.
While Heaney’s performance has been somewhat inconsistent in the early part of the season, he has shown flashes of the form that has made him a reliable starting pitcher in the past. Heaney has the ability to pitch deep into games and is capable of racking up strikeouts when he’s on form.
Heaney’s presence in the Rangers’ rotation is a key component of the team’s pitching staff, and he is expected to play a significant role as the season progresses.
Overall, Andrew Heaney’s role on the Texas Rangers is that of a starting pitcher who brings a wealth of experience and consistency to the team’s rotation.
While he has had some struggles in the early part of the season, he has the ability to be a reliable and effective starter for the Rangers, and his contributions will be critical to the team’s success.
Comparing Andrew Heaney to Other Pitchers
When comparing Andrew Heaney to other starting pitchers in the MLB, it’s important to look at a few key metrics, including ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, and WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched).
One pitcher that is often compared to Heaney is Mike Minor, who is also a left-handed starter. Both Minor and Heaney are reliable starters who have had some success in the past.
In terms of statistics, Minor has a slightly better career ERA than Heaney (3.89 vs. 4.51), but Heaney has a higher career strikeout rate (9.3 K/9 vs. 8.3 K/9).
Another pitcher who is often compared to Heaney is Ross Stripling, who is also a versatile pitcher capable of starting games or pitching in relief. While Stripling has slightly better career numbers than Heaney in terms of ERA (3.82 vs. 4.51), Heaney has a better strikeout rate (9.3 K/9 vs. 8.2 K/9).
When compared to other left-handed starting pitchers in the league, Heaney ranks around the middle of the pack in terms of ERA and strikeouts. However, he has shown the ability to pitch deep into games and has been a reliable starter throughout his career.
While he may not be considered an elite starting pitcher, he brings a wealth of experience and consistency to any team he plays for.
Overall, Andrew Heaney is a dependable left-handed starting pitcher who can be counted on to provide solid innings and strikeouts.
While he may not be the most dominant pitcher in the league, he is a valuable asset to any team and can help them win games with his consistent performances.
Career statistics of Andrew Heaney, Mike Minor, and Ross Stripling, three versatile left-handed starting pitchers in the MLB:
| Pitcher | Career ERA | Career Strikeout Rate | Career WHIP | Career Innings Pitched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Heaney | 4.32 | 9.1 K/9 | 1.26 | 847 |
| Mike Minor | 3.89 | 8.3 K/9 | 1.23 | 1187.1 |
| Ross Stripling | 3.82 | 8.2 K/9 | 1.20 | 526.1 |
The table compares the career ERA (earned run average), strikeout rate, WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched), and innings pitched of Andrew Heaney, Mike Minor, and Ross Stripling. It provides a quick snapshot of how Heaney compares to these two pitchers in some key statistical categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Andrew Heaney been a starting pitcher in the MLB?
Heaney has been a starting pitcher in the MLB since his debut with the Miami Marlins in 2014.
What teams has Andrew Heaney played for as a starting pitcher?
Heaney has played for the Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, and Texas Rangers as a starting pitcher.
What is Andrew Heaney’s pitching style?
Heaney is known for his four-seam fastball, curveball, and changeup. He has a good mix of pitches and can keep batters off balance with his repertoire.
Has Andrew Heaney ever been an All-Star?
No, Andrew Heaney has never been an All-Star, but he has been a consistent and reliable starter throughout his career.
What is Andrew Heaney’s career record as a starting pitcher?
As of April 12, 2023, Andrew Heaney’s career record as a starting pitcher is 44-51 with a 4.32 ERA and 806 strikeouts in 847 innings pitched.
To Recap
Andrew Heaney is a starting pitcher who has had a solid career in the MLB, and he currently plays for the Texas Rangers. He has evolved his roles throughout his career, and he’s currently a dependable left-handed starter for the Rangers, making regular starts and pitching in key games for the team.
While he may not be considered an elite starting pitcher, he brings a wealth of experience and consistency to any team he plays for.
When compared to other pitchers in the league, Heaney ranks around the middle of the pack in terms of ERA and strikeouts, but his ability to pitch deep into games and provide solid innings makes him a valuable asset to any team.
Overall, Heaney is an important part of the Rangers’ pitching staff, and his contributions will be critical to the team’s success as the season progresses.
