Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Expects Jason Heyward to Make Opening Day Roster
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When the Dodgers signed Jason Heyward to a minor league deal, no one thought much of it. Teams sign veterans to minor league deals all the time, and I think most people assumed Heyward wouldn't make much of an impact on this team, if any at all.
However, very quickly, Heyward started to turn heads.
Heyward immediately got to work at Dodger Stadium, and started fixing his swing. His new teammate, Freddie Freeman, also pushed for and raved about the addition, which began to open the door for Heyward maybe playing a role with this team.
Then spring training rolled around, and Heyward showed off his revamped swing, hitting two home runs in his first four games.
And when Gavin Lux went down with a season-ending torn ACL, the Dodgers suddenly had room on the roster for another left-handed bat.
At that point, it became clear Heyward could get a spot on the Opening Day roster. But on Wednesday, Dave Roberts confirmed it.
Roberts saying it's a "safe bet" that Heyward will be on the Opening Day roster means it's going to happen barring an injury. That's an incredible turnaround for Heyward who, a few months ago, probably didn't expect to get another opportunity anytime soon.
But the Dodgers need another left-handed bat, and love the experience and leadership the 33-year-old has brought to the clubhouse. He's also a five-time Gold Glove Award winner, and while he isn't the same fielder he once was, he definitely can still get the job done.
It's hard not to be happy for Heyward, who decided to take a chance with the Dodgers organization — one known for their reclamation projects. And if all goes well, Heyward will probably become yet another success story of someone who revitalized their career in LA.
