Every man, woman and child alive who enjoys baseball shed a tear when news broke that Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez is likely headed for the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Fantasy owners, especially those in keeper leagues, likely shed a few more.
WATCH: Baseball Buzz discussing walkoffs, Fernandez Tommy John, and wounded bobbleheads
Prior to his injury Fernandez was 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA, 70 strikeouts and just 13 walks in eight starts. He was easily one of baseball's five best starting pitchers already, and in terms of fantasy value in keeper leagues an argument could be made for him as the most valuable pitcher around.
For now though, he's gone. Where the Marlins will turn next we don't know, but I'm going to make the case for Andrew Heaney. He is 22 years old (one year older than Fernandez), and was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2012 draft.
Jose Fernandez will need Tommy John surgery
In 46 innings at Double-A this year Heaney is 3-2 with 44 strikeouts, only 12 free passes, and a 2.35 ERA with an even lower FIP. He's already showing the ability to adjust quickly to increased competition as well; after posting a 9.63 K/9 in High-A ball in 2013, it dipped over 33 innings as he adjusted to Double-A. While still effective, he was slightly less electric until 2014 began where he showed his old self.
Besides his stats, the Marlins have been better than expected this season and have an opportunity to escape the National League East cellar with a few breaks. In addition, the Marlins haven't been shy in the past about promoting bright prospects that look ready to contribute.
The rotation is already incredibly young with 27-year-old Tom Koehler playing the role of elder statesman. For now, Anthony Desclafani has been called up to replace Fernandez, and while his numbers in the minors were solid he lacks the "WOW" factor a Heaney call-up would create.
Expect a few more dominant starts at Double-A, followed by a call-up in mid-to-late June, or a promotion to Triple-A at that time with Heaney reaching the big leagues sometime in July.
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