The Los Angeles Dodgers are scheduled for a travel day Monday and Andrew Heaney will join them on their road trip as he works toward returning from a left shoulder strain.
Heaney was placed on the 15-day injured list June 24 and projected to miss upwards of five turns through the rotation. It marked a second instance this season he’s deal with left shoulder trouble.
Heaney threw a bullpen session last week and now is scheduled to participate in a simulated game at Busch Stadium on Tuesday. Should all that go well, the southpaw next would join a Minor League affiliate to begin a rehab assignment.
When Heaney was recovering from his first left shoulder strain this season, he couldn’t throw for multiple weeks before being cleared to build his arm strength back up. By the time Heaney returned to the club, he missed two months.
A rehab assignment was completed with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa, during which Heaney went 0-1 with a 0.73 ERA, 0.57 WHIP and held opponents to a .143 batting average over three starts.
He made just one start for the Dodgers prior to going back on the IL. That came as somewhat of a surprise considering Heaney pitched with increased fastball velocity and in his return and felt healthy.
“I felt good,” Heaney said after pitching five-plus innings against the Detroit Tigers. “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.”
Dodgers rotation without Heaney
Despite not having Heaney or Walker Buehler, the Dodgers’ starting rotation has forged ahead with Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson both still undefeated, and Julio Urías and Clayton Kershaw putting together strong campaigns as well.
For Heaney’s spot specifically, Mitch White has settled into a rhythm that’s come with making regular starts.
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!
