The Houston Astros are currently facing a severe shortage in their starting pitching roster as the MLB season progresses. With six pitchers placed on the 60-day injured list, their pitching depth is critically thin. Spencer Arrighetti stands out as the only pitcher who might return soon, recovering from a broken thumb and expected back by July. Meanwhile, other injured pitchers face uncertain timelines or are out for the season entirely.
Among those sidelined are Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski, both recovering from Tommy John surgeries, while Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier continue rehabilitation from their respective procedures, aiming for late-season comebacks. J.P. France, after shoulder surgery, has progressed to live batting practice throws but remains far from full readiness to rejoin the rotation.
Strong Performances Offer Some Relief
Despite these setbacks, a few Astros pitchers have maintained impressive performances. Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have delivered solid outings, keeping the pitching staff afloat. Lance McCullers Jr. also shows encouraging progress as he works toward regaining his previous form. However, the overall scarcity of seasoned starters has raised alarms, pushing the Astros organization to actively search for reinforcement before the trade deadline.
Andrew Heaney Presents a Possible Solution for Houston
Among potential trade options, left-hander Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates has caught attention as a viable candidate to bolster the Astros’ rotation. Heaney, now on a one-year contract worth $5.25 million, is a known quantity to Houston, having pitched for the Texas Rangers in 2022 and 2023. He was part of the Rangers during their epic seven-game ALCS victory over the Astros last year, which ultimately led Texas to a World Series championship.
Currently, Heaney holds a 3-5 win-loss record but boasts a strong 3.33 ERA, marking one of the better seasons in his career. His durability is especially noteworthy, as he has completed at least five innings in 12 of 14 starts this year and has reached the seventh inning six times, a trait highly valued as the Astros seek reliable inning eaters.
Durability and Consistency as Key Attributes
While Heaney has had just one season with double-digit wins—finishing 10-9 in 2023—his ability to consistently deliver quality starts is a significant asset. Last season’s 5-14 record came during a difficult time for Texas’s rotation, but he still logged 32 starts, demonstrating resilience and reliability. For Houston, the priority is less about personal stats and more about securing a dependable pitcher who can provide stability in the fifth rotation slot.
Astros’ Practical Approach to Reinforcing Rotation
The Astros management recognizes that Heaney might not produce a career-best season but views him as a solid, steady presence capable of eating innings and preventing bullpen overuse. This pragmatic strategy focuses on short-term rotation depth, essential for supporting the team’s ambition to contend in the postseason. As the trade deadline nears, acquiring a dependable arm like Heaney could reinforce Houston’s pitching foundation.
What Acquiring Heaney Could Mean for Houston’s Playoff Hopes
Securing Andrew Heaney before the deadline might become a vital move for the Astros amid their current pitching crisis. His experience and ability to pitch deep into games could help the team navigate the rest of the season successfully. For a club aiming to stay competitive and ensure a solid postseason run, adding Heaney offers a promising hope to strengthen their rotation and keep them in contention.