Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Chris Heisey Continues Working To Find Rhythm

Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard enough to make the transition to a new team, but it’s even harder when you’re also competing for a roster spot on that new team.

Outfielder Chris Heisey was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers this winter in a somewhat strange move because of the team’s abundance of outfielders. The former Cincinnati Red is one of a handful of outfielders that is working to make the Opening Day roster. Heisey has struggled this spring, hitting just .081 in 220 games.



Despite those numbers, Heisey is still optimistic about his place with the Dodgers via JP Hoornstra of the Daily News:

I’d obviously love to be playing a lot better than I am now,” Heisey said, “but I am thankful that it is spring training, and this is the time we do get to work on some things. Being with a new organization, I would’ve liked to have a spring like I had last year. It just hasn’t happened for me.”

Heisey has never been a hitter with a high average, topping out at .265 in 2012, but he has made the adjustment to coming off the bench and is considered a pinch-hitting threat.

Because of his past success and understanding in the role, manager Don Mattingly is not holding Heisey’s spring against him:

Early on I felt like Chris was trying really hard,” Mattingly said. “You always try to keep your perspective with guys that come from different organizations and you’ve never really seen before on a daily basis.”

Barring a trade, it appears Heisey will start the year in Triple-A because there are simply too many outfielders for just four or five spots. Since Heisey is one of the only outfielders with an option left, that leaves him in the Minors to begin the year.

Dodgers 2015 Spring Training – Chris Heisey

Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

2 Comments

  1. A move by the new Front Office that like some others is mysterious and not working. This guy is probably great for the Rays he is AVERAGE. And cost controlled. We need guys that are at least good to great. By the way Grandal still looks terrible at the plate and his catching mechanics are really bad. He cannot catch or block a pitch low and to his left. It is a joke.

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