It’s fairly remarkable that the Los Angeles Dodgers are “treading water” at this point in the season.
The Dodgers are off to a 19-10 start, putting them on pace for 106 wins and in a tie for first place in the National League West with the San Francisco Giants. But they’ve also had to weather several starting pitching injuries already, some of which seem like cause for long-term concern.
Blake Snell’s shoulder inflammation has him sidelined indefinitely, and Tyler Glasnow has a similar ailment that is about to send him to the 15-day injured list.
The Dodgers should expect both back by the postseason at the absolute latest, but getting through the regular season will be more difficult than previously thought. That could lead the front office to seek help via trade.
Accordingly, Drew VonScio of Newsweek called upon the Dodgers to make a fast trade for Pittsburgh Pirates lefty Andrew Heaney, a 12-year veteran who played one season in Chavez Ravine already in 2022.
“A move must be made soon, and Andrew Heaney from the Pittsburgh Pirates is a player who should be on the Dodgers’ radar,” VonScio wrote. “Dodgers fans are certainly familiar with Heaney as he made 16 appearances (14 starts) with the team in 2022. The 33-year-old totaled a 3.10 ERA in those games.”
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“(Heaney’s one-year deal) would also mean the Dodgers wouldn’t have to cough up much in the way of a return. Edgardo Henriquez (Dodgers No. 17 prospect) is one that could certainly intrigue the Pirates, as the 22-year-old could give Pittsburgh a long-term bullpen piece.”
Heaney has been hot and cold throughout his career, but he’s had a very hot start to this season. Through five games, he’s pitched to an impressive 1.72 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings.
Since leaving Los Angeles, Heaney has compiled a 3.99 regular season ERA in 71 games, and won a 2023 World Series title with the Texas Rangers.
The left-hander has an affordable one-year, $5.25 million contract that would make him very appealing not only to the Dodgers, but to any team looking for innings at the trade deadline.
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