When the Los Angeles Dodgers initially placed Andrew Heaney on the 10-day injured list, there was hope the left-hander would make a quick return.
However, discomfort in Heaney’s throwing shoulder persisted and prevented him from picking up a baseball for three weeks. Fortunately for the 30-year-old once he resumed playing catch it came without any sort of setbacks.
Heaney has thrown multiple bullpen sessions and was expected to face batters at Camelback Ranch on Sunday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that instead will take place at Dodger Stadium on Monday, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Andrew Heaney is going to face hitters for the first time tomorrow at Dodger Stadium, per Dave Roberts. Was pushed back from today for logistical reasons
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) May 29, 2022
Roberts had previously indicated Heaney would throw more than one simulated game before advancing to beginning a rehab assignment with a Minor League affiliate.
While Heaney is ahead of fellow injured starter Clayton Kershaw, along with Tommy Kahnle and Blake Treinen, he still figures to be multiple weeks from coming off the IL.
His absence has been filled by Tyler Anderson, who’s pitched well in his first season with the Dodgers. Tony Gonsolin has also exceeded expectations to help the Dodgers not only remain afloat but excel despite not having Heaney and Kershaw.
Heaney validated mutual trust with Dodgers
At the time of signing a one-year contract with the Dodgers before the MLB lockout began, Heaney voiced confidence he could bounce back from struggling last season and believed in the organization’s track record of refining pitchers.
That was playing out as Heaney threw 10.1 scoreless innings and had 16 strikeouts against just three walks through his first two starts.
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