Decision to get rid of Jason Heyward is a heavy blow for the Dodgers

Dave Roberts has had dozens, if not hundreds, of conversations like the one he had with Jason Heyward on Wednesday night, when the Dodgers manager had to tell a player there was no room for him on the roster and he was being considered for another player.

But this case was much more serious because it involved one of the team's most respected and popular players, best friend of first baseman Freddie Freeman and winner of the 2023 Roy Campanella Award, given annually to the Dodgers player who best embodies the spirit and leadership qualities of the Hall of Fame catcher.

“It was a huge challenge, probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do,” Roberts said before Friday night's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. “What Jason did for the Dodgers in a year and a half was pretty remarkable, on the field, in the locker room, in the community, and his fingerprint will remain forever.”

“It was a very difficult decision, but we had a squad shortage. The boys have finally recovered and we only have limited space.”

The decision was not made easier by the fact that Heyward, in his final batting appearance in a Dodgers jersey, hit a crucial three-run pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning of the 6-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

But after Chris Taylor fully recovered from a groin strain in his right back that sidelined the veteran all-arounder for a month, the Dodgers had to decide which players would fill the three bench spots occupied by center fielder (four-time Gold Glove Award winner) Kevin Kiermaier, versatile all-arounder Kiké Hernández, Taylor and Heyward.

The underdog was Heyward, who posted just a .208 batting average with a .682 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, six home runs and 28 RBIs in 63 games in a platoon role this season and was essentially reduced to the pinch hitter role when Mookie Betts moved from the shortstop position back to right field on August 12 after a left hand injury.

“Everyone is obviously sad to see him go,” Taylor said of Heyward. “He's a true professional and definitely one of the best teammates I've ever had. I'm proud to call him a teammate and I learned a lot from him just watching him work every day. He really always put the team before himself.”

“He's always cheering everyone on and is top notch. There's a reason he's been in the game so long and there's a reason we all voted him for the Roy Campanella Award last year. I'm just honored to be able to play with him. We're definitely going to miss him.”

Taylor had just a .167 batting average with a .542 OPS, three home runs and 15 RBIs in 64 games through Friday, and he struck out in 62 of his 162 at-bats, but he is a more versatile defender and has delivered some big hits in the playoffs, with a .248 average, an .805 OPS, nine home runs, 13 doubles and 26 RBIs in 67 career postseason games.

The Dodgers could have delayed Taylor's return until Sept. 1, when rosters could be expanded from 26 to 28 players and both Taylor and Heyward could have been retained, but they decided to make the decision Wednesday night and announced the roster change on Thursday.

“It was definitely thought about,” Roberts said. “I think it's one of those things where CT was ready to come back and you try to appreciate the fact that he's not injured anymore. He's ready to come back and that was kind of the impetus for it.”

Roberts saw no need to speak to the team about Heyward's move, but he spoke individually with several players, including Freeman, and he doesn't believe it will cause friction in the locker room or be a distraction.

“There are obviously emotions, as anyone would expect, but I think everyone also understands that we all have a job to do and we still have to win baseball games,” Roberts said. “These guys are not just teammates, they're very good friends, so it's emotional for a lot of guys.”

“But I don't think it will affect today's game or the games to come. It's the life we've chosen. There are many fruits and many great things. [that come with this game]but in certain situations it is hard. Again, this is the life we ​​have all chosen.”