The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Jason Heyward since he was placed on the 10-day injured April 3 because of lower back tightness that was initially believed to be relatively minor.
However, Heyward’s absence has extended more than four weeks due to lingering discomfort. He began to increase the level of activity in workouts around the middle of April but shortly after that was accompanied by more soreness.
“He’s trending in the right way as far as feeling better, but the residual soreness has sort of been looming,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s going to have to go on a rehab assignment given now the time off that he’s had and going to have.”
Heyward did rebound to begin baseball activities but has suffered yet another setback, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
Heyward suffered a setback during his recovery from a lower back issue that has been affecting him since Spring Training. The Dodgers were initially hopeful that Heyward would only miss the minimum amount of games, but the veteran outfielder has bounced back slower than anticipated. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Heyward will need a rehab assignment whenever he does get cleared to resume baseball activities.
Prior to landing on the injured list with the lower back strain, Heyward had just three hits and two RBI in 14 at-bats across four games. He batted .269/.340/.473 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs, 40 RBI, 56 runs scored in 124 games (98 starts) last year.
The Dodgers valued what Heyward brought not only in terms of production in his platoon role but as a clubhouse leader, and re-signed the veteran during the offseason to a one-year, $9 million contract.
Andy Pages benefitting from Jason Heyward’s injury
With Heyward unavailable, the Dodgers have primarily shifted Teoscar Hernández to his preferred position in right field for the time being.
Heyward’s spot on the Dodgers roster was initially taken by Taylor Trammell, who was claimed off waivers, but it has since gone to Andy Pages.
The Dodgers prospect has brought production to the bottom third of the lineup and is impressing while taking full advantage of an opportunity to make regular starts.
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