Freddie Freeman injury timeline might've ended Jason Heyward's Dodgers career

The Dodgers clubhouse took a hit when the team let go of Jason Heyward in the roster crunch to reactivate Chris Taylor from the IL. Heyward, despite his struggles at the plate this season, was widely known as a veteran leader on the team and was a nice success story for the Dodgers, who gave him a second chance after he was unceremoniously dumped by the Cubs in 2022.

They were then dealt another blow when Heyward cleared waivers and was released, then promptly signed with the Astros, LA's fiercest interleague rival who Dodgers fans will never forgive for cheating their way into a 2017 World Series win at the Dodgers' expense.

Freddie Freeman took the initial news of Heyward's DFA hardest of anyone in the clubhouse; their friendship dates back years, and they were already separated once when the Braves traded Heyward to the Cardinals after the 2014 season.

However, maybe all of that could've been avoided. Freeman's been dealing with a hairline fracture on his right middle finger since Aug. 8 and was playing through it until Tuesday, when the Dodgers decided to sit him for at least a couple of games to keep an eye on the injury. If Freeman had gone onto the IL when he initially sustained the injury, the Dodgers wouldn't have had to let go of Heyward.

Dodgers' Jason Heyward DFA might've indirectly been Freddie Freeman's fault

Now, this might've only bought Heyward a few more weeks in the Dodgers' revolving door, but still. You never know what ripple effects happen, in that case. Taylor, somehow, was only on the 10-Day IL while rehabbing a months-long injury. His return didn't require a 40-man move ... except it did in Heyward's case, since the roster was filled to the brim.

The Dodgers seem to be trying to avoid a Freeman IL stint as much as possible. They've given up Cavan Biggio, who took over at first during Freeman's eight-game absence in late July into early August, and have put Kiké Hernández there during his last two off-days. Hernández isn't an ideal long-term option for first base or for the lineup, but he's spent more time at first than almost anyone else of the roster.

However, if things trend downward with Freeman's finger, then going onto the IL would be the most responsible thing for him and the Dodgers to do if they want to avoid any complications down the line.

The Dodgers' and Astros' chances of meeting in the World Series this year aren't zero. The Astros are sitting comfortably atop the AL West, and unfortunately can never be counted out in the playoffs. Heyward isn't an historically great postseason hitter, but for a potential revenge game to come when both teams are fighting for a championship? That could be dangerous.