MLB: Injured Players That Will Make an Impact in 2017
By Jason Reed
Andrew Heaney
In 2014, Andrew Heaney was ranked the 18th overall prospect in baseball and the second-ranked left-handed pitching prospect. Heaney was originally in the Marlins organization, was traded to the Dodgers for Dee Gordon, and then got flipped shortly thereafter for Howie Kendrick. Heaney put up a decent 2015, posting a 3.49 ERA with a 6-4 record. Still one of the best young arms in baseball, Heaney was expected to either join Garrett Richards or take over the top of the Angels rotation. However, Heaney only made one start in 2016, undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of this year.
Heaney’s sole start was on April 5, a game in which he pitched six innings, allowing four runs with seven strikeouts. The injury was a strained left flexor muscle, which lead to him needing Tommy John surgery in July. Now, the realistic timetable sets Heaney to return in spring of 2018. However, it is possible for him to return as early as fall of next season. I am a firm believer that with hard work and proper treatment we may see Heaney playing a role at season’s end.
Whether or not we see Heaney take the mound in 2017 all has to do with the Angels’ success. If the Angels are in a position where the postseason is out of the picture, we won’t see Heaney. The only way we can see Heaney is if the Angels are playoff contenders. If they are, Heaney could be a huge piece coming out of the bullpen in late September and October. Heaney could provide a great left-handed option and play the role of long reliever. It all comes down to his rehab and his team’s success, but if the cards are right we will see Heaney play a huge role next fall.