Heaney pitched 4.1 innings against Minnesota on Tuesday, allowing an unearned run on three hits and no walks while striking out five. He did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney didn't stay in the game long enough to qualify for a victory, but he certainly impressed his new team with 4.1 innings of three-hit ball. The left-hander racked up 15 swinging strikes on just 67 pitches, and per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Twins batters whiffed on eight of the 19 swings they took against Heaney's modified, sharper breaking ball. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic notes that the veteran hurler threw more breaking balls than fastballs in a game for the first time in his career Tuesday, giving further reason for his fantasy managers to hope that the standout performance was more than just an aberration in a cold and rainy environment in Minnesota. Heaney is expected to make his next start at home against Cincinnati on Sunday.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Heaney will start in the Dodgers' first turn through the rotation in 2022, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Roberts said that Tony Gonsolin is the leading candidate for the fifth rotation spot, Heaney should begin the season as a starter while Trevor Bauer (not injury related) remains on the restricted list. Heaney made 30 appearances (23 starts) between the Angels and Yankees last year and 5.83 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 129.2 innings. However, his role beyond the first week of the season will likely depend on whether the league elects to suspend Bauer.

Heaney pitched 2.1 innings against the Reds in a Cactus League game Tuesday, allowing five runs on five hits and no walks while striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney's first appearance of the spring got off to a disastrous start, as he allowed five sixth-inning runs, including three on a long ball off the bat of Kyle Farmer. He retired just one batter in that frame before he was pulled for a reliever, but thanks to modified spring-training rules, Heaney was able to return to the game in the following inning. The left-hander recovered from there, completing two scoreless frames during which he gave up only one hit, yet he still ended up with an ugly line in the box score. Heaney will likely need to pitch much better moving forward this spring to beat out his competition for a starting spot in the Dodgers' rotation.

Heaney signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Dodgers on Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney had a very poor 2021 season, at least judging by his 5.83 ERA. The ERA estimators all liked him far more than that, however, with SIERA (3.84) and xERA (4.01) being the most optimistic. The Dodgers clearly believe there's still something there for the 30-year-old lefty, whose 26.9 percent strikeout rate and 7.3 percent walk rate were both quite good. He needs to cut the homers to be an effective starter, however, and his 33.1 percent groundball rate suggests he may not be able to take a large step forward in that area, though some positive regression in his 18.1 percent HR/FB rate should help somewhat.

Heaney was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney endured a terrible time after coming over from the Angels at the deadline, posting a 7.32 ERA in 35.2 innings for his new team. He lost his rotation spot in late August and his spot on the active roster in late September. He'll now be removed from the 40-man roster as the Yankees shuffle the deck and select the contracts of Greg Allen and Rob Brantly. Heaney is technically available for any team to claim, but there's little point in doing so, as he'll be a free agent at the end of the season.

The Yankees optioned Heaney to the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Wednesday, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being moved out of the rotation in late August, Heaney didn't notice dramatically better results while working out of the bullpen. In seven relief appearances spanning 9.2 innings, Heaney served up 11 runs on 18 hits and one walk while striking out 10. He had gone unused since Sept. 18 and wasn't expected to factor back into the bullpen mix the rest of the way while the Yankees look to secure a wild-card berth.

Heaney pitched one inning against Toronto on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out one.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander continues to get bit by the long ball -- he surrendered a one-out solo shot to Vladimir Guerrero in the top of the ninth inning. Heaney's outing didn't get much better from there, as the Blue Jays followed with three straight hits that resulted in another run. Heaney has not pitched well since joining the Yankees at the end of July, giving up 11 homers in 30.1 innings while registering a 7.71 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.

Heaney (8-9) allowed four runs on four hits in one-third of an inning to take the loss Sunday versus Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw was responsible for all four runs Baltimore hung on the board in the seventh inning. Heaney has made two appearances since shifting to a relief role, allowing six runs in 2.1 innings. He's also struggled as a starter this year, with a 5.81 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 142:40 K:BB across 122.1 innings between the Yankees and Angels. Until he can get things sorted out, he'll likely be limited to low-leverage work in the bullpen, although he could make a spot start if the Yankees' rotation gets thin.

Heaney will pitch out of the bullpen Monday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney will shift roles with Corey Kluber (shoulder) set to return to the mound. While it's possible Heaney shifts into a traditional bullpen role moving forward, he is projected to piggyback Kluber in a multi-inning role Monday. Heaney has struggled to a 6.23 ERA while allowing 3.1 HR/9 across five starts since joining the Yankees.

Heaney allowed two runs on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over four innings, taking a no-decision in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

It was nothing to write home about, but Heaney did his job Tuesday night. After allowing a pair of runs in the first inning, he settled down and conceded just two singles over his remaining three innings. Though he did get an early hook, the southpaw did not give up a home run for the first time since joining the Yankees. With Domingo German and Corey Kluber cresting over the horizon in their respective returns from shoulder injuries, rotation spots may soon be at a premium in The Bronx. For now, Heaney is expected to pitch next Monday against the Angels.