The Los Angeles Dodgers need starting pitching, and they need it fast.
It’s the same story every year in LA – the rotation gets decimated by injuries just when it matters most. This time around, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Tony Gonsolin are all sidelined heading into the All-Star break.
That’s a lot of quality arms on the shelf.
The Dodgers can’t afford to be picky at the trade deadline. If premium starters like Freddy Peralta or Seth Lugo aren’t available, they’ll have to get creative with their targets.
How about a reunion with a familiar face?
Content creator Steven Russell recently predicted the Dodgers would acquire Andrew Heaney from the Pittsburgh Pirates to shore up their rotation. The left-hander’s on a one-year, $5.25 million deal that makes him an affordable target.
“I could definitely see Andrew Heaney being traded back to the Dodgers.”
It’s not the flashiest move, but it makes sense. Heaney, now 34, has posted a 4.16 ERA in 17 starts this season, covering 93 innings. He’s struck out 71 batters against 31 walks, holding opponents to a .235 batting average.
Those numbers aren’t spectacular, but they’re steady.
The Dodgers know what they’re getting with Heaney. Back in 2022, he was excellent for them – posting a 3.10 ERA and a career-best 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings across 16 appearances. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury cost him most of the second half that year.
What makes this different is Heaney’s role now. He’s evolved into an innings-eater in his thirties, and that’s exactly what the Dodgers need. They’re not looking for an ace – they need someone who can give them quality starts and potentially serve as a valuable swingman come October.
The way I see it, Heaney checks all the boxes. He knows the organization, he’s proven he can handle the pressure in LA, and he won’t break the bank. Plus, he’s got that World Series experience from Texas in 2023.
All things considered, it’s the type of under-the-radar move that could pay dividends when the Dodgers make their playoff push.
