Jason Heyward is the odd man out in a Dodgers roster crunch, the highly respected veteran outfielder getting designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for returning utility man Chris Taylor, the team announced Thursday.
Not even a dramatic pinch-hit, three-run homer in the eighth inning of Tuesday night’s 6-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners could save Heyward’s job, as the Dodgers chose to keep four-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, versatile utility man Kiké Hernández and Taylor on the bench.
Heyward provided another highlight on June 19 in Coors Field when he crushed a pinch-hit grand slam off the right-field foul pole to spark a seven-run ninth inning that gave the Dodgers an 11-9 win over the Colorado Rockies.
The 15-year veteran hit just .208 with a .682 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, six homers and 28 RBIs in 63 games in a platoon role this season, but his playing time took a significant hit when Mookie Betts moved from shortstop back to right field upon returning from a left-hand fracture last week.
“I think [the decision] is going to be what it’s going to be, no matter what,” Heyward said after Tuesday night’s game. “Years like this, when a team is all-in, I think they always have to put their best foot forward, and whatever happens, happens.
“But I think personally, it’s pretty cool to be No. 23 for this club, to hit a couple of majestic No. 23-type homers, not in the postseason, but for where we want to go, a pinch-hit grand slam and a pinch-hit three-run homer is pretty special.”
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.
