Max Muncy extended the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lead to 8-1 with a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners.
On Thursday, the Dodgers made the decision to designate veteran outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment due to a roster crunch. Heyward, respected for his presence in the clubhouse, struggled with limited playing opportunities and became the odd man out following Chris Taylor’s return from the injured list. With this move, the Dodgers opted to retain center fielder Kevin Kiermaier as the sole left-handed hitter available off the bench, while both Taylor and Enrique Hernandez faced uncertain futures.
Rival teams will have a week to claim Heyward off waivers; if he is not claimed, he will be released and free to sign with any team. Heyward, owed the prorated amount of his $9 million salary, could be eligible for the postseason if he joins a new team before the end of August.
In his second season with the Dodgers, Heyward batted just .208 with an on-base percentage of .289 and a slugging percentage of .393 over 197 plate appearances. His last appearance was noteworthy, as he hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the eighth inning that secured a victory against the Mariners, a moment Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described as a season highlight.
At 35 years old, Heyward was once a highly regarded prospect, selected 14th overall out of high school and making a significant impact with the Atlanta Braves early in his career. He earned five Gold Gloves, an All-Star selection, amassed 115 home runs, and signed a $184 million deal during his time with the Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago Cubs between 2010 and 2017.
One of his most notable moments was his speech during a rain delay in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, which played a role in the Cubs’ victory and ended the team’s 108-year championship drought. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued him in subsequent years, leading to the Cubs releasing him after the 2022 season despite a year remaining on his contract. The Dodgers then signed him to a minor league contract at the recommendation of friend Freddie Freeman, where he performed well, posting an .813 OPS and hitting 15 home runs in 124 games in 2023. Despite returning on a major league contract, his performance did not meet expectations.
Heyward is now expected to seek a role with a playoff contender.