The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their pitching staff by calling up seasoned left-hander Andrew Heaney to the major league roster. In a corresponding move, they have optioned right-handed pitcher Will Klein, who recently threw 30 pitches, a workload that likely excludes him from the final games of the regular season. This roster adjustment, which involved recalling Nick Frasso and placing him on the 60-day injured list, clears the way for Heaney’s inclusion.
Heaney, previously released by the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers just in time to be eligible for postseason play. While he is available for the playoffs, the Dodgers’ immediate plan is for Heaney to pitch in low-pressure situations against the Seattle Mariners in the concluding games of the regular season.
As the Dodgers are securely placed as the #3 seed in the National League, their upcoming games hold no weight on playoff seeding. Their attention is focused on preparing their pitching lineup for the upcoming Wild Card Series against either the New York Mets or Cincinnati Reds, commencing next Tuesday. In light of this, they have been managing playing time meticulously; for instance, Emmet Sheehan, who is set to bolster their bullpen in the postseason, was limited to one inning in his last start.
Andrew Heaney arrives with significant innings pitched this season — 120 1/3 innings over 26 appearances, predominantly as a starter. Though he started the season strongly with a 2.50 ERA through April, his performance waned over the subsequent months. A tumultuous August led the Pirates to release him, but his performance afterwards in Triple-A Oklahoma City was promising, with 10 innings yielding just one run and 13 strikeouts.
The preparations continue for the Dodgers as they gear up for another postseason run. By managing game appearances and ensuring fresh arms, they aim to enter the playoffs in optimal condition. This strategic choice highlights the team’s focus on flexibility and readiness, aiming for depth in both starting and relief pitching to tackle the challenges ahead.