Aaron Heilman Released by Diamondbacks

As expected the Diamondbacks have released veteran reliever Aaron Heilman before last night’s game against the Brewers.

Arizona acquired Heilman from the Cubs for a pair of minor leaguers before last season.  The right hander appeared in 70 games for the Diamondbacks in 2010, putting up an ERA of 4.50 over 72 innings.

Heilman became a free agent after the season, but agreed to a 1 year $2 million deal with Arizona this January.

The 32 year old hasn’t been nearly as effective as last season, posting an ugly earned run average and WHIP of 6.88 and 1.67.

It’s been tough sledding from the start for Heilman, as he allowed 9 runs on 13 hits over 6 .2 innings in April.  Never able to get on track, Heilman couldn’t maintain a single monthly ERA below 4.50.

Before joining the Cubs and Diamondbacks, Heilman spent most of his career as a member of the New York Mets.  He was drafted by the club in the first round of the 2001 MLB draft and actually came up as a starter.

Heilman had his best seasons in the Big Apple.  From 2005-2007 he produced an ERA close to 3.25 with a WHIP under 1.15 out of the Mets’ bullpen.

In a corresponding roster move, the Diamondbacks recalled pitcher Barry Enright from Triple-A to make Tuesday’s start.

For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes.