Unlike the last few seasons the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be in strong position in terms of pitching as the playoffs draw near.
They did lose Evan Phillips for the season due to Tommy John surgery, and Brusdar Graterol isn’t expected to return from offseason right shoulder surgery despite an initial expectation he would return after the All-Star break.
In terms of their starting rotation, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow both have returned from the injured list, and Shohei Ohtani is successfully stretching out. A surplus of starters and upcoming off days has resulted in Emmet Sheehan being bumped into the bullpen for at least one turn through the rotation.
Despite having a full rotation, the Dodgers signed Andrew Heaney to a Minor League contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
Heaney will begin in AAA Oklahoma City where he lives. Has signed in time to be playoff eligible. https://t.co/QS2eIaDnOp
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 1, 2025
Heaney joins the Dodgers days after getting designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates in order to make room on their roster for the return of Oneil Cruz.
The Pirates signed Heaney during the offseason to a one-year, $5.25 million contract. Heaney’s deal included multiple performance bonuses, starting at $500,000 for 120 innings pitched, followed by $100,000 for 130 innings, and $150,000 for reaching 140, 150, 160 and 170.
The left-hander went 5-10 with a 5.39 ERA, 5.52 FIP and 1.36 WHIP in 26 games (23 starts) for the Pirates before his DFA at the end of August. He reached 120.1 innings pitched with the club, to trigger the aforementioned $500,000 bonus.
Heaney got off to an encouraging start this season but struggled in back-to-back starts during June and it represented the start of a downward trend. Moving into a bullpen role did lend to improved results, as Heaney allowed six runs over just 1.1 innings in his last two relief appearances.
Heaney spent the 2022 season with the Dodgers, going 4-4 with a 3.10 ERA, 3.75 FIP and 1.09 WHIP in 16 games (14 starts). He then pitched out of the bullpen in a bulk role during Game 3 of the National League Division Series that year.
Is Andrew Heaney eligible for playoffs with Dodgers?
Although Heaney’s signing was not reported until Monday, he is eligible for the playoffs with the Dodgers due to joining the organization before the 9 p.m. PT deadline on Aug. 31.
A similar scenario unfolded with Walker Buehler, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies after being released by the Boston Red Sox.
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