Dodgers Take a Gamble: What Andrew Heaney’s Minor-League Deal Could Mean for Their Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making a strategic move by bringing pitcher Andrew Heaney back into the fold with a minor-league deal, stirring up some intriguing possibilities as the postseason looms. Heaney, 34, recently found himself released by the Pittsburgh Pirates after a challenging stretch marked by a 5.39 ERA and a 5-10 record over 120 1/3 innings pitched. Though those numbers aren’t exactly dazzling—and his strikeout rate dipped to a career low—there’s something compelling about a seasoned left-hander returning to familiar territory. Signed just before the postseason eligibility deadline, Heaney will head to Triple-A Oklahoma City, positioning himself for a potential call-up if the need arises. This move gives Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts more flexibility to manage innings and rest heavier-hitting starters, especially since the rotation includes some big names recovering from injury or advancing in age. Given Heaney’s past performance with LA—a solid 3.10 ERA back in 2022—this signing could add depth and left-handed versatility to the bullpen just when the Dodgers need it most. With the NL West tightly contested and the playoffs in sight, this comes across not just as a roster tweak but maybe a subtle masterstroke. LEARN MORE

The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back pitcher Andrew Heaney, reportedly signing him to a minor-league deal.

Heaney, 34, was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 29 after being designated for assignment. He recorded a 5.39 ERA and 5-10 record with 84 strikeouts in 120 1/3 innings. The strikeout rate of 6.2 per nine innings is his lowest for a full season during a 12-year MLB career.

Though the team has not yet officially announced the move, Heaney signed before Monday’s deadline for players to be eligible for a team’s postseason roster, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. With the minor-league deal, he will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The left-hander previously pitched for the Dodgers during the 2022 season, compiling a 3.10 ERA and 4-4 record in 16 appearances (14 starts) with 110 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers have a full five-man starting rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani. Roki Sasaki is also on a rehab assignment and should rejoin the team in September barring any setbacks.

However, adding Heaney allows manager Dave Roberts to give any of his starters a rest proceeding toward the postseason. Glasnow and Snell are coming off injuries, while Kershaw is 37 years old. Heaney could also provide a left-handed arm out of the bullpen that can pitch multiple innings if needed.

Beginning his career with the Miami Marlins (who made him a first-round pick, No. 9 overall, in 2012), Heaney has also pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. Overall, he has a 4.55 career ERA and 56-72 record with a strikeout rate of 9.2 per nine innings.

Heaney signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Pirates. The Dodgers will pay him a prorated salary from the MLB veteran’s minimum of $760,000.

Going into Monday’s MLB schedule, the Dodgers (78-59) have a two-game lead over the San Diego Padres for first place in the NL West. Yet they have the third-best record in the National League behind the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies.