Astros’ Jason Heyward Reflects on Exit From Dodgers

Jason Heyward was a beloved and respected leader in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse. His untimely release on Aug. 22 was heartbreaking to see for several fans and players. On Thursday, he told reporters about his departure from the Dodgers clubhouse and how he landed with the Houston Astros.

Heyward initially thought he was headed home to Chicago, but a call from the Astros gave him another opportunity to play deep into the postseason — a chance he thought he had with the Dodgers.

“I received a good amount of interest. The toughest part in my mind was just — not a lot of time to make a decision,” Heyward said. “Honestly, I thought there was a good chance I was going home, my family and I would go back to Chicago and see what the offseason brings. But teams did call. Houston called. And I feel like it was honestly the most realistic path for a chance to play every day. Of course I’m starting tonight in right field.

“I know Tuck [Kyle Tucker]’s out for a little bit more. Hopefully he comes back soon and doesn’t have any hiccups there with his rehab. But just a real chance to play here, be in the outfield, kind of move around in all three outfield spots. That was the conversation. And to me, I just want to make the most of that opportunity. And that’s kind of what allowed me to say, well, let’s keep playing and let’s go out here and try to win.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke earlier this month about the opportunity offseason acquisitions have in Los Angeles. The newcomers get to play, but they also get to win. While the Dodgers designated Heyward for assignment, he found a new club he could win with.

“As far as what’s in the tank, I was kind of on the IL a few times this year,” Heyward said. “I think there was a lot of baseball I was hoping to play. Hopefully this gives me a chance to play a couple more months of some meaningful baseball.”

Heyward played meaningful baseball in Los Angeles. His last at-bat for the Dodgers was a tie-breaking three-run home run that helped the team earn a 6-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.

In his first game with the Astros, Heyward hit a run-scoring double Thursday.

At the end of the day, baseball is still a business. The departure of Heyward was a business decision, but it still cuts deep to see the outfielder land with Houston.