Cody Snavely
The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated left-handed veteran outfielder Jason Heyward from the 10-day IL prior to tonight’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
With Heyward’s activation, the Dodgers have optioned sophomore center fielder James Outman after a slow start with a .147/.250/.266 slash line in 109 at-bats.
Outman, 27, finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2023, taking over the everyday center fielder role that was occupied by fan favorite Cody Bellinger the previous four seasons.
While Outman was a plus defender in the outfield this season, ranking above the 80th percentile in OAA (outs above average), his bat has not clicked, and having him sit on the bench getting around five at-bats a week is not going to fix anything.
With the emergence of Dodgers prospect Andy Pages, who has played well since his call-up in April, hitting .267 with four home runs and thirteen RBI, he has become a mainstay in the Dodgers lineup.
Heyward, 34, is making a highly anticipated return to the Dodgers for the first time since the domestic opening series against the St. Louis Cardinals after recovering from back stiffness. In 2024, Heyward has shown his potential with a batting average of .214/.200/. 414, although he’s yet to secure an extra-base hit in four games.
However, Heyward was a pivotal piece in the Dodgers lineup in 2023, when the Dodgers took a chance on the then 33-year-old outfielder who was DFA’d by the Cubs that offseason. Heyward had a career resurgence, batting .269/.340/.473 with a .813 OPS, 116 OPS+, 23 2B, 15 HR, 40 RBI, and ranking 91st in OAA in right field. This allowed Mookie Betts to take more starts at second base with the loss of Gavin Lux.
Heyward, an established veteran, will be a sight for sore eyes upon his return. He will be reunited with longtime teammate and friend Freddie Freeman and hopefully provide some much-needed veteran production at the bottom of the Dodgers’ order.
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