Pirates fans can’t begin to comprehend why top contender signed Andrew Heaney

Less than a week after being designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Andrew Heaney has landed on his feet with a shot at postseason glory.

The veteran left-hander has reportedly agreed to a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heaney will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City – conveniently, in his hometown – and will be eligible to pitch for the Dodgers in the postseason.

It's a homecoming of sorts for Heaney, who previously pitched for the Dodgers during the 2022 season. In 16 appearances (14 starts), he posted a 4-4 record and a 3.10 ERA over 72 2/3 innings pitched.

He also pitched in relief during Game 3 of the National League Divisional Series against the San Diego Padres that year, giving up one run in three innings in the Dodgers' 2-1 loss.

Pirates fans can’t begin to comprehend why Dodgers signed Andrew Heaney

Heaney's time in Pittsburgh came to a rather unceremonious end last week, when he was designated for assignment and ultimately released after struggling tremendously in his last outing against the St. Louis Cardinals. Pitching in relief after being demoted from the Pirates' starting rotation, Heaney gave up five earned runs on five hits against the Cardinals to blow a 4-1 Pirates lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Heaney had signed a one-year contract with the Pirates in the offseason and got off to a solid start, posting a 3.33 ERA over 78 1/3 innings in his first 14 starts. Things took a turn in June, however, and he allowed 43 earned runs over 42 innings pitched – including 13 home runs – for a 9.21 ERA over his last 12 starts.

Heaney also gave up 24 home runs for the Pirates this season, tied for 13th-most in MLB, and allowed 13 home runs over his last 12 outings. During the month of August, he allowed 15 earned runs over 13 1/3 innings for a 10.13 ERA, with a .387 opposing batting average and a 1.87 WHIP.

The Dodgers, somewhat inexplicably, seem to have some belief that Heaney can rediscover his old form as they pursue their second consecutive World Series title. Since the signing occurred prior to the Aug. 31 deadline, the veteran lefty will be eligible to pitch for Los Angeles in the postseason, giving him a chance to capture a second ring after winning the World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023.