The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Chris Taylor off the 10-day injured list and Jason Heyward was designated for assignment.
The Dodgers a flier on Heyward through a Minor League contract before the 2023 season and were rewarded by the veteran turning in a resurgent year. Heyward then re-signed on a one-year contract for 2024, but he’s struggled to replicate last year’s success. Heyward dealt with lower back tightness in early April that caused him to miss six weeks.
Heyward also missed time during July with a left knee bone bruise, but largely hasn’t made much of an impact upon returning.
Heyward hit .208/.289/.393 with 10 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 28 RBI over 63 games. His potential final at-bat with the Dodgers may have been a pinch-hit, three-run home run that broke a tie with the Seattle Mariners.
“To not overthink it because you don’t have a lot of time,” Heyward answered when asked about his focus was during the pinch-hit appearance.
“So I’ve had a lot of time to prepare for a moment like that one, to take the thinking out of it. And that’s kind of the name of it. It’s just go up there, trust your approach. And if it comes through, amazing, if it doesn’t, go up there and see if there’s anything else you can tweak the next time, but still not overthink it.”
Taylor is back with the Dodgers after going on the IL on July 25 due a left groin strain. Taylor played games with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga during a rehab assignment this week.
What Jason Heyward DFA means for Dodgers
With Heyward now passing through waivers, the Dodgers not only opened a roster spot to activate Taylor off the 10-day injured list, but it also amounts to Kevin Kiermaier sticking with the team to at least finish out the 2024 season.
For the postseason, the Dodgers seemingly will be deciding to choose three between Kiké Hernández, Kiermaier, Taylor and Andy Pages for the final roster spots.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
