Miami Marlins' prospect Andrew Heaney throws one-hit shutout

Miami Marlins pitching prospect Andrew Heaney is consistently giving the organization's front office reasons to promote him. The Marlins' top prospect, Heaney threw a one-hit shutout on Tuesday night in a 9-0 Zephyrs victory that lasted only six innings due to rain.

Heaney earned a promotion from Double-A Jacksonville after posting a 4-2 record to complement a 2.35 earned run average and a 2.44 FIP. In his first victory with the Zephrys, Heaney struck out seven and threw 78 pitches while facing one batter over the minimum.

Heaney's lone blemish was a two-out, first-inning single by Round Rock designated hitter Bryan Peterson. He then retired 16 batters in a row before the rain came.

On the year, Heaney has posted a 2.09 ERA in 11 starts while striking out 66 and walking 13 in 64 and two third total innings pitched.

After the Marlins lost ace Jose Fernandez to Tommy John surgery, the expectation was that Heaney may be in line for a promotion. But the Marlins feel it is best to not rush their best minor league prospect, and want to ensure that he can pitch well against veteran players with major league experience, which are typically found at the Triple-A level.

Anthony DeSclafani was the Marlin called upon to make his major league debut before Heaney, but after struggling he was optioned back to Triple-A. Randy Wolf had difficulty throwing strikes in his first start after coming back from Tommy John surgery, but Manager Mike Redmond said Wolf would remain in the rotation for at least one more start.

Heaney has yet to be promoted, likely because of salary implications. But should he continue to dominate at Triple-A, it shouldn't be long before he makes his debut. Heaney is expected to arrive at some point in June, but if the rotation continues to be inconsitent, it may be sooner.

Nathan Eovaldi stepped up in his last start against the Nationals, but the rotation is still looking for consistency without Fernandez, and Heaney may be the answer.