The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Andrew Heaney on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder inflammation and recalled Reyes Moronta from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of the series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
Heaney is on the IL for a second time this season and begins his latest stint after making just one start upon returning. He previously missed two months due to left shoulder trouble. Heaney was shut down from throwing for multiple weeks before beginning a steady progression.
His rehab process entailed making a combined four starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa prior to getting activated. Heaney didn’t suffer any setbacks in his recovery and felt healthy after throwing five innings in his return to the Dodgers rotation.
“I felt good,” Heaney said after facing the Cleveland Guardians. “Pretty close, a couple pitches got away from me. Not happy with how the two batters were in the sixth, but beyond that, it was good and something to build off.”
Further supporting that sentiment was Heaney’s fastball velocity. Prior to the initial left shoulder injury, Heaney averaged 91 mph on his fastball, but it was around 93 mph for his first few innings on Sunday.
“Early was where I want to be,” Heaney said. “Kind of late, I think I maybe ran out of steam a little bit. It’s something I can keep pushing through and get this one under my belt to go from there.”
Moronta is back up with the Dodgers for a third time this season. He’s pitched to a 2.00 ERA over eight appearances, collecting nine strikeouts across nine innings.
In 10 games with Oklahoma City, Moronta 1-0 with two saves and a 3.00 ERA.
How will Dodgers replace Heaney?
Tuesday started a stretch of the Dodgers playing 20 consecutive games, which makes losing Heaney to injury all the more challenging.
He was slated to start against the Braves on Saturday, which now will be filled by Mitch White. The right-hander last pitched for Oklahoma City on June 18.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
