Jonathan

Heasley

Teel and Quero are the big names here, as they are two of the top catching prospects in baseball. Both have a chance to make their MLB debut this summer, with Teel being the better bet for fantasy success early on. That’s more compliment to Teel than insult to Quero.

Heasley fortifies Chicago’s bullpen depth heading into spring training after making four unremarkable relief appearances last year for the Orioles. The 27-year-old former starter hasn’t missed a ton of bats, even in shorter bursts out of the bullpen, but is capable of soaking up multiple frames, if needed. He’s merely extra organizational depth at this stage of his development.

Heasley was DFA’d from the minor league IL, so he has to be released after clearing waivers. The Orioles could re-sign him to a minor league deal if they’d like. The former Royal has been out for six weeks due to a shoulder problem. He had a 16.88 ERA in four appearances for the Orioles early in the season.

Heasley was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk back in May and posted a 2.64 ERA in 30 2/3 innings. However, the team needed a spot on the 40-man roster so that they could promote Chayce McDermott for Wednesday’s start, and Heasley was the easiest move to make

Heasley’s stay with the big league club lasted just one day this time around, as he was torched for four runs on two hits and a pair of walks in his lone inning of work against the White Sox on Thursday. Nick Vespi was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move to take his place in the Orioles’ bullpen.

With John Means landing on the 15-day IL, the Orioles are calling up Heasley to add depth to their bullpen. The 27-year-old has thrown 4 1/3 innings with the Orioles this year and has an unsightly 12.46 ERA; however, he’s been much more effective in Triple-A with a 0.45 ERA and 0.70 WHIP in 20 innings, striking out 18 and walking just four. With Cole Irvin likely to take Means’ place in the rotation, Heasley could give the Orioles length out of the bullpen.

It’s a sad turn of events for the 31-year-old who seems to be working his way back from arm injuries continuously. He made just four starts this season and left his last one with elbow discomfort. The Orioles have not yet announced the extent of the injury but given that Means has only thrown a combined 31 2/3 innings since 2021, it may be time to make other plans for fantasy leagues. Cole Irvin should move back into the rotation and Jonathan Heasley was called up in a corresponding move.

Heasley heads back to the minors with newly-acquired reliever Yohan Ramírez officially joining Baltimore’s relief mix. The 27-year-old righty has struggled this season in three relief appearances for the Orioles.

Heasley was acquired in the offseason by Baltimore in a trade for RHP Cesar Espinal. The 27-year-old will take the bullpen spot of Cionel Perez after Perez was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain. It’s reasonable to expect Heasley to be nothing more than a low-leverage reliever while with Baltimore.

Heasley, 26, struggled in his time with the Royals in 2023 — posting a 7.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 9/2 K/BB ratio over 15 frames. He’s always had an intriguing arsenal though, and could be one tweak away from being a viable bullpen option for the O’s in 2024.