What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly signed pitcher Andrew Heaney to a minor-league deal following his release from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Heaney, 34, was designated for assignment by the Pirates on August 29, after recording a 5.39 ERA and a 5-10 record with 84 strikeouts in 120 1/3 innings. This strikeout rate of 6.2 per nine innings marks his lowest for a full season in his 12-year MLB career. The Dodgers have not officially announced the signing, but Heaney is expected to report to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Heaney previously pitched for the Dodgers during the 2022 season, achieving a 3.10 ERA and a 4-4 record in 16 appearances. The Dodgers currently have a full five-man starting rotation, but Heaney's addition provides flexibility for manager Dave Roberts to rest starters as the team approaches the postseason.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Andrew Heaney is significant for the Dodgers as they prepare for the postseason. With a full rotation including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani, Heaney offers a strategic option to manage player fatigue and potential injuries. Glasnow and Snell are recovering from injuries, and Kershaw, at 37, may benefit from additional rest. Heaney's experience and ability to pitch multiple innings could be valuable in the bullpen, providing a left-handed option. The Dodgers, currently leading the NL West, aim to strengthen their roster depth to maintain their competitive edge in the playoffs.
What's Next?
Andrew Heaney will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he will prepare to potentially join the Dodgers' roster for the postseason. The team will monitor the health and performance of their current starters, and Heaney may be called upon to fill in as needed. The Dodgers are focused on maintaining their lead in the NL West and securing a strong position for the playoffs. Manager Dave Roberts will likely assess Heaney's performance in the minor league to determine his role in the postseason strategy.
