The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back pitcher Andrew Heaney, reportedly signing him to a minor-league deal.
Heaney, 34, was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 29 after being designated for assignment. He recorded a 5.39 ERA and 5-10 record with 84 strikeouts in 120 1/3 innings. The strikeout rate of 6.2 per nine innings is his lowest for a full season during a 12-year MLB career.
Advertisement
Although the team has not yet officially announced the move, Heaney signed before Monday’s deadline for players to be eligible for a team’s postseason roster, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. With the minor-league deal, Heaney will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
The left-hander pitched for the Dodgers during the 2022 season, compiling a 3.10 ERA and 4-4 record in 16 appearances (14 starts) with 110 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings.
The Dodgers have a five-man starting rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani. Roki Sasaki is also on a rehab assignment and should rejoin the team in September, barring any setbacks.
Advertisement
Adding Heaney allows manager Dave Roberts to give any of his starters some rest ahead of the postseason. Glasnow and Snell are coming off injuries, and Kershaw is 37 years old. Heaney could also provide a left-handed arm out of the bullpen that can pitch multiple innings if needed.
After beginning his career with the Miami Marlins (who made him a first-round pick, No. 9 overall, in 2012), Heaney also pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. Overall, he has a 4.55 career ERA and 56-72 record with a strikeout rate of 9.2 per nine innings.
Heaney signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Pirates. The Dodgers will pay him a prorated salary from the MLB veteran’s minimum of $760,000.
Advertisement
Going into Monday’s MLB schedule, the Dodgers (78-59) have a two-game lead over the San Diego Padres for first place in the NL West. They have the third-best record in the National League behind the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies.
