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.
Though 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, he will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The left-hander previously 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 full 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.
However, adding Heaney allows manager Dave Roberts to give any of his starters a rest proceeding toward the postseason. Glasnow and Snell are coming off injuries, while Kershaw is 37 years old. Heaney could also provide a left-handed arm out of the bullpen that can pitch multiple innings if needed.
Beginning his career with the Miami Marlins (who made him a first-round pick, No. 9 overall, in 2012), Heaney has 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.
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. Yet they have the third-best record in the National League behind the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies.
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