Top prospect Heaney sticking at Triple-A for now

ARLINGTON -- Barring any last-minute changes, the Marlins have set their rotation for their home series with the Pirates this weekend, and top prospect Andrew Heaney won't be involved.

In the series opener at Marlins Park on Friday, Nathan Eovaldi will get the nod, followed by Randy Wolf on Saturday and Henderson Alvarez on Sunday.

The only possible change could occur if Eovaldi's wife, who is expecting a baby any day, is close to delivering before or on Friday.

If that happens, Wolf and Alvarez would each move up a day.

What does this mean for Heaney? It means the 23-year-old lefty will start for Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday, and his big league callup date remains unclear.

Heaney, the top rated lefty prospect in the game according to MLB.com, is knocking on the door for his first callup. Until that happens, he will continue his development at New Orleans.

"I don't know what more to say," manager Mike Redmond said. "I know there's been a lot of speculation of when he's coming to the big leagues and when that's going to happen. I'm not sure when that's going to happen. But I know he's pitched down there, he's done a nice job, and when that day comes, you guys will be the first to know. But it's not today."

When Heaney does get the call, the Marlins will have to add him to their 40-man roster. And since that roster is full, a corresponding move also must be made.