LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Dodgers Rumors: Is Chris Heston the Dodgers’ next diamond in the rough?

By Christopher Lopez

Jun 9, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Chris Heston (53) celebrates with catcher Buster Posey (28) after throwing a no-hitter against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Giants won 5 - 0. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Chris Heston (53) celebrates with catcher Buster Posey (28) after throwing a no-hitter against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Giants won 5 - 0. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
February 28, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Chris Heston (53) poses for a picture during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 28, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Chris Heston (53) poses for a picture during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Another noteworthy outing

Fast forward to Chris Heston’s lone start of 2017. It’s easy to see that Heston dramatically transformed into a different pitcher.

First, one can point to Heston’s drop in velocity. Going from an average of 92.5 miles per hour to an average of 87.7 miles per hour.

In that start, and certainly hampered by this velocity decrease, Heston struggled mightily, and a once formidable sinker appeared to be nothing more than a fluke.

He could not find the strike zone, tossing just 39 strikes in 72 pitches, well below his percentage from his no-hitter, and furthermore only drew 3 strikes swinging, as many hitters were not fooled by his array of pitches.

According to a report from Matt Kawahara of the Sacramento Bee, Heston suggested that his struggles were attributed to difficulties adjusting to his new role as a long-man, and dealing with a sporadic pitching schedule.

In an effort to search for more depth, the Dodgers pulled the trigger and acquired Heston knowing very well that with a few adjustments, his potential could come to fruition in a big way.

So far, Heston has appeared in one game for the OKC Dodgers. In three innings pitched, Heston gave up three runs on two home runs, and struck out four batters.

But, there is no doubt that the signing is just another shrewd move by a front office that has routinely capitalized on diamonds in the rough.

Next: All-Star Candidates For LA

Maybe he’s next in line.

Home/Dodgers Rumors