Highly touted prospect Andrew Heaney lasted only four starts before the Miami Marlins optioned him to AAA following Saturday's game.
Taking Heaney's roster spot was Tom Koehler who had missed the past three games while on the paternity list. Koehler's wife gave birth to the couple's new daughter named Riley and the right-hander ended up missing no starts.
Heaney was 0-3 with a 6.53 in his first big-league go around and will likely be promoted again later in the season if he turns things around in New Orleans. Working against Heaney is the fact that Miami remains in playoff contention. If the team was in the basement as they were in 2013, it's likely that the leash on Heaney would have been longer.
While comparisons to Jose Fernandez would be unfair to Heaney, most expected him to perform at a higher level than he did with the Marlins. Heaney allowed 24 hits in 20.2 innings along with six free passes. He also surrendered five home runs including two in his final start on Saturday.
Koehler was already in the rotation and Brad Hand has taken over the spot previously occupied by Anthony DeSclafani, It remains to be seen who will start when Heaney's rotation spot next comes around. Options include Brian Flynn and Justin Nicolino who have enjoyed success in the minor-leagues this year in AAA and AA respectively.
Flynn has struggled in his limited big-league action in 2013 and this season. Nicolino hasn't yet made his big-league debut but has a 3.16 E.R.A this year with Jacksonville but his strikeout numbers are subpar. The 22-year old has only struck out 47 in 102.2 innings to go along with 12 walks.
The Marlins also optioned Jacob Marisnick to AAA on Saturday and the team activated Adeiny Hechavarria from the disabled list in a corresponding move.
