The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Jason Heyward was removed early from their Fourth of July game against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to left knee pain.
Miguel Vargas entered the game for Heyward to begin the third inning. Vargas was inserted into left field, which moved Teoscar Hernández to right field.
Heyward’s only at-bat in the game was in the first inning when he grounded out to strand runners at the corners.
The veteran outfielder enjoyed a resurgent season with the Dodgers last year but hasn’t yet managed to replicate that success since re-signing on a one-year contract.
Heyward played in four games, all starts, before landing on the 10-day injured list April 3 because of lower back tightness. The Dodgers were hopeful for a quick return but Heyward suffered multiple setbacks and wasn’t activated until May 17.
The 34-year-old has made regular starts in right field as part of a platoon, but largely struggled over 38 games (30 starts). Included in that was Heyward going hitless in three consecutive games heading into the series finale against the Diamondbacks.
Overall this season, Heyward is batting .203/.299/.398 with seven doubles, two triples, four home runs and 20 RBI. Heyward’s 42 games played this year are behind only Hernández and Andy Pages among Dodgers outfielders. Chris Taylor has appeared in 50 games, which includes time in the infield as well.
The Dodgers have recently turned to Taylor for an answer at third base while Max Muncy navigates long recovery from a right oblique strain. Kiké Hernández and Cavan Biggio initially received those opportunities.
What Jason Heyward’s injury means for Dodgers
If Heyward is forced to the injured list for a second time this season, the Dodgers likely will recall James Outman from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
That could end up bumping Pages to either corner outfield spot if Outman were to remain a center fielder. Another option for the Dodgers would be providing Vargas with more starts despite not being a left-handed hitting outfielder.
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