The Los Angeles Dodgers, perennial contenders in the National League, have made a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth by signing veteran left-hander Andrew Heaney to a minor league deal, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post on September 1, 2025. The 34-year-old pitcher, recently released by the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 29 after being designated for assignment, marks his third stint with the Dodgers, offering a familiar arm with postseason eligibility as the team gears up for an October run. With a robust rotation and a bullpen seeking reliability, Heaney’s return could prove a low-risk, high-reward addition for a franchise eyeing another World Series title.

Heaney’s 2025 season with the Pirates was a tale of two halves. Early in the year, he showed promise, posting a 3.33 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his performance faltered after June 19, with his ERA ballooning to 9.21 over his final 12 appearances, including a demotion to the bullpen where he struggled, allowing six runs in just 1.1 innings across two relief outings. Overall, Heaney finished with a 5-10 record, a 5.39 ERA, and a career-low strikeout rate of 6.2 per nine innings in 120.1 innings pitched. His 1.36 WHIP and 84 strikeouts underscored a season of inconsistency, leading to his release. Despite these struggles, the Dodgers see potential in Heaney, who previously thrived with the organization in 2022, posting a stellar 3.10 ERA and a 4-4 record with 110 strikeouts in 74.2 innings across 16 appearances, including 14 starts.

The Dodgers’ decision to sign Heaney to a minor league contract, with a prorated salary from the MLB veteran’s minimum of $760,000, reflects their approach to roster management: depth and flexibility. With a formidable five-man rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani, supplemented by Roki Sasaki’s anticipated return from rehab in September, Heaney is unlikely to crack the starting lineup. Instead, his role is expected to be as a multi-inning reliever, providing a left-handed option in a bullpen that has logged the most innings in the Majors (564) with a 4.16 ERA, tied for 18th in the league. The return of Michael Kopech from a torn meniscus has bolstered the bullpen, but its inconsistency throughout 2025 makes Heaney’s experience valuable, especially given his postseason pedigree, including a relief appearance in the 2022 NLDS and a World Series win with the Texas Rangers in 2023.

Heaney’s history with the Dodgers adds intrigue to this reunion. His first stint in 2014 was brief, acquired from the Miami Marlins in a trade only to be flipped to the Los Angeles Angels hours later. His 2022 season, however, showcased his potential, with a career-best 35.5% strikeout rate that earned him a multiyear deal with the Rangers. Now, reporting to Triple-A Oklahoma City—conveniently located in his home state—the Oklahoma native has a chance to rediscover that form. The Dodgers, known for their ability to maximize pitching talent, hope Heaney can regain his early-2025 or 2022 effectiveness, particularly as a long-relief option to preserve their starters. Glasnow and Snell are recovering from injuries, and Kershaw, at 37, could benefit from reduced workloads as the postseason looms.

The timing of the signing, finalized before the August 31 deadline, ensures Heaney’s eligibility for the postseason roster, a critical factor for a Dodgers team leading the NL West with a 78-59 record, two games ahead of the San Diego Padres as of September 1, 2025. Behind only the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies in the National League, the Dodgers are poised for another deep playoff run. While Heaney’s recent struggles suggest he’s a long shot to make the postseason roster, his experience and familiarity with the organization make him a savvy depth piece. Social media sentiment on X reflects cautious optimism, with fans noting, “Heaney was lights out for us in 2022. If he finds that groove again, this is a steal.” Others, however, question his recent form, citing his 5.66 xERA with the Pirates as a red flag.

For manager Dave Roberts, Heaney represents insurance against the unpredictability of injuries, a recurring challenge for the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season. Whether he remains in Triple-A or earns a call-up, Heaney’s signing underscores the Dodgers’ relentless pursuit of flexibility and readiness. As the team prepares for a critical September stretch, this move could prove to be a subtle yet impactful step toward another championship.