Andrew Heaney (SP, LAA) - Waiver Wire Analysis

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team / AL-Only Leagues

OWNED IN: 4% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: One of the highest rated left-handed pitching prospects of the past few years has finally made his case to join a Major League rotation. After two trades and countless momentum swings between levels of competition Andrew Heaney has arrived in Los Angeles. Expect him to stay.

The Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers both moved Heaney for 2B Dee Gordon and Howie Kendrick leaving Heaney a shot of making the Opening Day rotation for the Los Angeles Angels. He would start the year at Triple-A Salt Lake where he struggled to a 4.71 ERA and gave up 41 ER in 78.1 IP. He did post a 6-2 record and a 3:1 K/BB ratio and showed signs of refinement throughout his time in Salt Lake. With not much left to prove at the minor league level, an opening had to arise for Heaney to get his shot.

Heaney uses a polished fastball to go with a heavy moving slider to get batters out. He still needs work with his changeup and curve. The biggest knock on Heaney is that he leaves those pitches up in the zone where they are pummeled. His 9.00 K/9 rate along with a higher command of his off-speed pitches should pay off for a young pitcher still trying to be a factor.

The one caveat to anyone buying in on Heaney long term is his high BABIP and FIP. His 4.85 FIP must come down for him to remain a fantasy target. The BABIP sits at .280, but until he gets all four pitches working for him, Heaney remains susceptible.

He is a must own for dynasty owners. For 10+ team mixed and AL-Only owners looking for a boost in the SP department, Heaney should be a solid play. Hope that he gets it all figured out by season's end.