Pirates Release Veteran Starting Pitcher

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have severed ties with one of their main starting pitchers in 2025.

The Pirates released left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney on Aug. 29, according to his transactions log. They designated him for assignment on Aug. 26, and after clearing waivers, decided to let him go find a new opportuntiy elsewhere.

Heaney struggled massively in his latest outing in the series opener vs. the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, giving up five hits and five earned runs, blowing a 4-1 lead for the Pirates in the bottom of the fifth inning, as the home team took a 6-4 lead themselves.

Despite the poor play, Heaney earned an extra $50,000 in his last outing, as he reached 120.0 innings pitched in the season. He also

He also had incentives of $100,000 at 130.0 innings pitched, $150,000 each at 140.0, 150.0, 160.0 and 170.0 innings pitched, which is $750,000 in total, according to Ethan Hullihen.

Pirates manager Don Kelly had previously demoted Heaney from the starting rotation to the bullpen on Aug. 16. Heaney made his last bullpen appearance in the series finale vs. the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Aug. 17, giving up a run and getting just two outs.

Heaney's poor form began in the first game of a doubleheader vs. the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 19, where he gave up seven earned runs over four innings in a 9-2 loss.

He allowed 43 earned runs over 42.0 innings pitched, including 13 home runs, for a 9.21 ERA during that time. This included giving up seven earned runs in two starts and only having two scoreless outings during this period.