Heaney allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over three innings in Wednesday's spring start against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney had an off first inning, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk but also struck out three. The left-hander didn't get settled in until a 1-2-3 third frame. He told Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News that he was mechanically off and acknowledged being a "slow starter" early in seasons. The outing was his second Cactus League start, but he's also thrown three innings during an intrasquad game.

Heaney allowed one hit and struck out five over three innings in an intrasquad game Friday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney upped his pitch count to 44 pitches (30 strikes) in what amounted to his second significant appearance this spring. He made a Cactus League start last Sunday, which got off to a rocky beginning with a four-pitch walk and a hit batsman.

Heaney allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five over two scoreless innings in Sunday's spring start against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney's Cactus League debut got off to a rocky start, as the left-hander walked the first batter on four pitches then hit a batter. He settled in after that, striking out two before inducing a groundout to avoid any damage. Heaney is expected to slot in third in the Rangers' rotation.

Heaney exercised his $13 million player option for 2024 on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney was 2.2 innings away from reaching an incentive that would've increased his option to $20 million, but the 32-year-old southpaw will stick with the World Series champs nonetheless. Heaney posted a 4.15 ERA and 1.38 WHIP during his first year in Texas and figures to remain in the back end of the Rangers' rotation next season.

Heaney will start Game 4 of the World Series against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney should be relatively fresh heading into Tuesday's matchup after last taking the mound in Game 2 on Saturday. He recorded two outs and surrendered one hit on six pitches. However, his last postseason start resulted in a disaster, as he gave up three runs on four hits and one walk in 0.2 innings during Game 4 of the ALCS versus Houston.

Heaney will start Game 4 of the ALCS on Thursday against the Astros, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney turned in 3.2 innings of one-run ball during his first postseason appearance against Baltimore, and he's now set up to face an Astros lineup that has been relatively quiet through the first three games of the series. Heaney faced the Astros four times during the regular season, giving up six runs across 19.2 innings while striking out 16 batters and walking 11.

Heaney will start for the Rangers in Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday at Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

The right-handed Dane Dunning seemed like the best bet to start Game 1 prior to Friday's announcement, but he could be viewed as a piggyback option after the left-handed Heaney navigates the tough left-handed and switch hitters that tend to occupy the top of the Orioles' batting order. Heaney finished his regular season on a high note last weekend at Seattle, scattering five hits and one walk over 4.1 scoreless innings in an 85-pitch start. His previous six appearances were in relief.

Heaney didn't factor into the decision Saturday as the Rangers won 6-1 over the Mariners, allowing five hits and a walk over 4.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

While the southpaw didn't record the win, he was a key part of Texas' playoff-clinching victory. Heaney tossed 85 pitches (51 strikes) in his first start since Sept. 4, and he extended his streak of appearances without giving up an earned run to five. The Rangers still need a win Sunday, or an Astros loss, to lock up the AL West crown and a first-round bye in the playoffs, but if they wind up with a wild-card spot, Heaney could play a big role in that series too with Jon Gray (forearm) and Max Scherzer (shoulder) both currently on the IL. On the season, Heaney has a 4.15 ERA and 151:60 K:BB through 147.1 innings.

Heaney is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Mariners in Seattle, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran southpaw has made his last six appearances in relief, with the most recent outing coming in the series opener Thursday, when he tossed a 17-pitch scoreless inning. Given that he hasn't covered more than five innings in a game since late August, Heaney could end up serving as more of an opener or piggyback starter rather than a traditional starter Saturday. The Rangers will have Martin Perez (five days' rest) and Cody Bradford (three days' rest) available as potential bulk-relief options to work behind Heaney.

Heaney pitched 1.1 scoreless innings in relief during Monday's 5-1 win over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Heaney threw 22 pitches as part of the bullpen that covered the final three innings after starter Jon Gray left with a wrist injury. With Cody Bradford set to open Tuesday's game, it looks like the Rangers may need length out of the bullpen, which Heaney has frequently provided in September.