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At 35 years old, Jason Heyward just wants to play.
When the Dodgers DFA'd Heyward on August 22, then released him two days later, the aging outfielder had no problem drawing interest from other MLB teams (though he admitted on Thursday that the thought of finishing the year at home in Chicago, then considering MLB opportunities next season crossed his mind).
If he was going to be wooed, Heyward wanted to join another contending club midseason, which is understandable, but one other thing stood out with the Astros, which made all the difference. Heyward was not only going to be counted on, but he would have an opportunity to play everyday.
Jason Heyward said that after the Dodgers released him he thought "there was a good chance ... my family and I would go back to Chicago and see what the offseason brings." But he received "a good amount of interest." On choosing to sign with the Astros: pic.twitter.com/K5B6Uqx7yH
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) August 29, 2024
Dodgers castoff Jason Heyward joined Astros for good reason
Astros star right fielder in Kyle Tucker has been sidelined since early June due to a shin contusion. Tucker is set to do some running this weekend, which is a positive step for the franchise. In the meantime, however, Heyward is excited to contribute to a team with a four-game lead in the AL West over the Mariners entering the weekend.
Saying farewell to Heyward represented one of the tougher recent goodbyes for the Dodgers' organization, but Los Angeles has played well since Heyward's last game in Hollywood. Heyward's last game played with the Dodgers was on Aug. 20. Since then, Los Angeles has collected series wins over the Orioles and Rays at home.
Heyward made his debut with Houston on Aug. 29, helping the Astros to a 6-3 victory over the Royals. He batted eighth in the lineup as the right fielder, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI. His two-bagger broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring Jeremy Peña and Jon Singleton.
Jason Heyward drives in two runs in his first game with the Astros!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 30, 2024
(via @astros)pic.twitter.com/0HDfoTfgkQ
Heyward now has six runs batted in over his last four games, which includes a home run in his last contest with the Dodgers.
The 2010 All-Star is a winner, and he has already made a solid team better in just one game. Heyward helped the Cubs win the World Series in 2016, earning one of his five Gold Glove awards that season.
For his 15-year-career, Heyward is a .257 batter with 180 home runs, 303 doubles and 161 defensive runs saved.