The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Andrew Heaney, right when the offseason started, knowing that he had some issues with the home run.
In 2021, between the Los Angeles Angels and the New York Yankees, the left-hander gave up 29 home runs in 129.1 innings pitched.
That 2.01 HR/9 mark was among the highest in MLB.
The Dodgers, however, always have a plan, and that’s why they are so good.
They worked with Heaney over the offseason, and he was on fire to start the year.
In his last few turns, however, it appears he is turning back into a pumpkin.
“Andrew Heaney’s first 31 innings: 1 HR, 1.16 ERA. Andrew Heaney’s last 18.2 innings: 8 HR, 4.82 ERA,” Dodgers insider Blake Harris tweeted.
Andrew Heaney's first 31 innings: 1 HR, 1.16 ERA
Andrew Heaney's last 18.2 innings: 8 HR, 4.82 ERA
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) September 6, 2022
It’s a metaphor, of course: Heaney is a legitimate, MLB-caliber pitcher with a 4.59 career ERA, so he is definitely not a pumpkin.
Heaney Has Been Struggling With Homers
However, he is not showing the kind of level he did to open the year.
He is, to the contrary, showing the same vulnerability for the long ball that plagued him over the course of his whole career.
It’s certainly something for him to improve, as he tries to secure a place in the postseason rotation.
If everybody is healthy, and he keeps on giving up dingers, it’s hard to see the Dodgers trusting him to start an important playoff game.
He was so good to open the campaign that despite his recent hiccups, he still has a 2.94 ERA in 52 frames.
He needs to improve, however, if he wants to keep his place as a prominent member of the Dodgers’ staff.
Heaney still has a few weeks before the playoffs to show the Dodgers he can work through his issues.
NEXT: The Dodgers Are Preparing To Clinch Soon