Taylor Hearn has been giving batters the business since being demoted to Triple A in mid-April. The big lefty is patiently waiting on his time to shine while sending a message to the Majors that he can be a key piece for a Big League staff.
“I am doing well,” Hearn told MLBbro.com earlier this week. “Nothing has changed but the weather down here. I have not been doing anything different or changed anything mechanic wise, just continuing to do me.”
Coming into the 2023 season Hearn was on the bubble as to whether or not he would be on the Major League roster, but after signing a $1.05 million deal to avoid arbitration in late March, plus some solid performances at the end of Spring Training he made the team.
His first two appearances out of the bullpen went well as he combined to pitch 3.1 hitless innings with five strikeouts and no walks against last year’s National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies and the up-and-coming Baltimore Orioles highlighted by superstar Cedric Mullins.
It was Hearns’ poor performance in consecutive outings against the Cubs and Royals where he gave up a total of eight earned runs on nine hits in four innings that led to his demotion to the Rangers Triple A affiliate in Round Rock, Texas.
Hearn Dominating Minor League Hitters
Judging by the recent numbers he has posted; he is doing him just fine. Hearn has posted a 1.17 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 7.2 innings during his time out the bullpen. The last two appearances he has recorded a few noteworthy performances.
Both games, he threw two shutout innings and gave up a combined two hits while striking out seven batters. Time will tell as to whether or not the Dallas area native will get to pitch again for his hometown team or if his talents will be used in another Big League uniform.
Hearn has the goods and might need the tutelage of another pitching coach or an organization that believes in his electric moments enough to let him withstand the bad stretches.
My Two Cents | Texas Rangers Pitcher Taylor Hearn Is Ready For Whatever
(@1stladyofsports) Rachel L. Hill gives her two cents on the trials, tribulations and travels of Texas @Rangers #MLBbro starter/reliever Taylor Hearn. pic.twitter.com/mdzm7HtOLA
— MLBbro.com (@MLBbrodotcom) August 6, 2022
After the Rangers placed ace pitcher Jacob deGrom on the Injured List this past weekend, they opted to call up another arm instead of Hearn.
Taylor Hearn Handles World Champion Braves For First Win Of 2022
“I know God has a big blessing coming my way,” Hearn told MLBbro.com. “I am just waiting and praying.”
No Major League team ever has enough arms in the bullpen, but teams such as the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, NY Yankees, who are struggling early, may need to take a flier on the 6 ‘7 lefty.
If Hearn is able to find a consistent secondary pitch to go along with his fastball, I believe he can be effective as a late inning reliever.
