San Francisco Giants Deal Chris Heston to the Mariners

In an effort to clear a spot on the 40-man roster without losing a player for nothing, the San Francisco Giants concocted a trade with the Seattle Mariners. The Giants sent right-handed pitcher Chris Heston to the Pacific Northwest, in exchange for a player to be named later.

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With the addition of All-Star closer Mark Melancon, who signed a four-year contract worth $62 million earlier this week, the San Francisco Giants needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Rather than designating a player for assignment and losing him for potentially nothing, the Giants swung this deal to get something in return. The player that will eventually be named likely won’t be a big-time prospect or future superstar, but is assuredly better than absolutely nothing.

After an incredible 2015 season, in which Heston burst on to the scene out of nowhere, he looked like he would be a part of the Giants’ rotation for the foreseeable future. Through the end of July, Heston was pitching to the tune of a 3.14 ERA, 1.151 WHIP, and .239 opponent average with an 11-5 record.

Of course, the highlight of that stretch, and the highlight of Heston’s career, came on July 9th. Against the New York Mets, Heston threw the 288th no-hitter in Major League history, holding the eventual pennant-winning Mets hitless over nine innings. He allowed three baserunners on the day, all via hit batters, and struck out 11, which remains a career-high.

Unfortunately, it seemed like fatigue caught up to Heston that year. After July, Heston struggled to a 5.92 ERA and 1.703 WHIP, while opponent average shot up to .286. The team went 3-8 in his last 11 starts that year.