The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Andrew Heaney from the 15-day injured list and recalled Jake Reed prior to the series finale against the Washington Nationals. Garrett Cleavinger and Mitch White were optioned as the corresponding roster moves.
Cleavinger returns to OKC one day after getting recalled as the corresponding move to Reyes Moronta being sent down. Like Moronta in his most recent appearance, Cleavinger was tasked with trying to take a burden off the Dodgers’ bullpen.
That didn’t pan out for the southpaw, who was impacted by Gavin Lux committing an error to begin the eighth inning. Cleavinger recorded back-to-back strikeouts but then surrendered a two-run home run to Luis García that gave the Nationals a 4-3 lead.
Because several relief pitchers were unavailable, Cleavinger remained in the game in the ninth inning and allowed four more runs — one of which scored on a base hit allowed by Phil Bickford.
As for Heaney, he returns after being placed on the IL on June 24. He was projected to miss around three to five starts, and made two rehab appearances prior to getting activated. Heaney is starting Wednesday and fully stretched out to a normal workload.
On the season, Heaney has posted a 0.59 ERA and 2.16 FIP in 15.1 innings, but only managed to make three starts thus far. His season twice has been interrupted by a left shoulder strain. The second instance was considered more mild than the first injury.
White getting optioned is largely a matter of circumstance, as the Dodgers are in need of fresh arms in the bullpen. He allowed just two runs over six innings on Tuesday and has been an invaluable swingman.
Reed is up with the Dodgers for the first time since getting claimed off waivers from the New York Mets two weeks ago. Reed pitched to a 3.38 ERA over six games for the Dodgers last season.
Dodgers have plan for Andrew Heaney
Given the shoulder trouble Heaney has experienced, the Dodgers are likely to keep him on a pitch count for the remainder of the season.
Roberts initially indicated that would be around 75 pitches per start, but more recently declined to set a specific number or range.
“I think with Andrew, just to continue to keep him strong and built up, any number I could throw out is kind of arbitrary,” Roberts said. “It’s just kind of watching him, having conversations and talking to Mark Prior to figure out what is best.
“To see us extending him in any way, I don’t see that happening.”
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