Heaney was part of the deadline package and DFA’d before August; his departure reduces left-handed depth and rotation flexibility. Heaney’s time in Pittsburgh was brief, and his exit shifts the balance of veteran rotation depth as the Pirates recalibrate for 2026 and future infield/population depth.

Andrew Heaney was DFA’d in a Pirates roster shake-up, triggering bullpen and leverage shifts that fantasy managers should monitor. If Heaney exits the Pirates' plans, late-inning roles may polarize, impacting Pittsburgh’s run support and Sox matchup dynamics in this series.

Heaney is the Pirates’ counter in Milwaukee, looking to rebound after a rocky stretch. His last five starts contain a winless slide, and his record against Milwaukee sits at 1-3 with a history of giving up runs. Heaney carries upside in strikeouts but comes with notable risk given recent form and the Brewers’ hot offense.

Heaney carries a 4.77 ERA with 22 homers allowed in 23 appearances, a troubling stat line for a Pirates lefty starter. His recent stint includes a rough run, and Pittsburgh’s lineup has struggled to supply offense. The dynamic against Contreras and a hot Brewers offense raises questions about Heaney’s ability to navigate this matchup.

Heaney starts for Pittsburgh with a 5-9 record and 4.77 ERA. His last outing showed a 1.93 ERA over a brief, clean frame with 2 hits. Heaney’s road splits and mix of pitches could yield a quality start if he leverages grounders and keeps the Brewers off-balance, though Milwaukee’s hot lineup raises the risk of early damage.