The San Francisco Giants traded starting pitcher Chris Heston, 28, to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday evening, 18 months removed from throwing a no-hitter as a rookie for the Orange and Black.
Heston was ultimately moved because the Giants had to make room on their 40-man roster after the signing of marquee closer Mark Melancon. Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow joined Murph and Mac on Thursday morning and explained why San Francisco chose Heston as the player to let go.
“I think he wasn’t progressing as they wanted him to progress,” Krukow said. “I don’t think he had a consistent velocity on his sinker, and when you have an inconsistent sink, you’re vulnerable. Now you have a question is he best suited as a starter or as a long guy. Obviously I think the Mariners picked him up because they want him to start, but they do have some more work in order to get him be more consistent with velocity and movement.”
Heston had a stellar rookie campaign in 2015, posting a 3.95 ERA in 31 starts. Heston was moved to the bullpen last season but was quickly sent down to Sacramento after allowing six runs in five innings. An oblique injury in June effectively ended his season.
“It’s there, we’ve seen it,” Krukow said about Heston’s ability. “We’ve seen that sinker be absolutely unhittable, literally, when he no hit the Mets. He had a great rookie year I thought, but he wasn’t able to sustain the mechanics into the month of September. He got tired, and then when he came back last year it was just one thing after another he was right, physically.”
“I hate to see him go. I wish him nothing but the best. He’s a really great guy and I think he will have a good career, but he’s got some work to do to get a little more consistent.”