The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their exhibition schedule with a 4-3 walk-off loss to the Los Angeles Angels in the Freeway Series finale at Angel Stadium.
As was the case in the first two games, the Dodgers lineup featured several regulars, including Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Jason Heyward had also been penciled in, but he was a late scratch and replaced by Chris Taylor.
Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Heyward strained his lower back during batting practice and will receive treatment, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day on Thursday, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“Jason is fine. There was something during batting practice, he just kind of strained his lower back. For me, he’s taken plenty of at-bats, so to scratch him late, not a big deal. He’ll come in tomorrow to get some treatment and be ready to go Thursday.”
Assuming he responds well to the treatment, Heyward should be in the Dodgers’ lineup on Opening Day as the St. Louis Cardinals are sending right-hander Miles Mikolas to the mound.
The 34-year-old figures to receive most of his playing time in right field this season, but could occasionally get some starts at the other two outfield spots as well.
Heyward is coming off a resurgent first season with the Dodgers that saw him hit .269/.340/.473 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games.
He additionally won the 2023 Roy Campanella Award, which is given each year to one player from the team who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.
Jason Heyward 2024 spring stats with Dodgers
Heyward batted .250/.276/.429 with one double, two triples and one RBI in 10 Cactus League games. During the two-game Seoul Series in South Korea, he went 2-for-6 with two RBI and three runs scored over seven plate appearances.
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