Dodgers’ Jason Heyward wins Roy Campanella Award
LOS ANGELES ― To say Jason Heyward was caught off-guard by the news that he won the Roy Campanella Award, given to the Dodger player that best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher, would be an understatement.
“I think I voted for Mookie (Betts),” Heyward said. “I don’t think I turned my vote in. That’s how unaware of this I was.”
Voted on by Dodgers uniformed personnel, the award was presented to Heyward by Campanella’s daughter, Joni Campanella Roan, and grandson Malcolm Campanella.
Heyward is the fourth Dodger to win the Campanella Award in his first season with the organization, joining Rafael Furcal, Jamey Carroll and last year’s winner, Freddie Freeman.
“It’s really cool to be recognized,” he said. “Having teammates admire you and wanting to make sure you’re recognized for it, feels special. That’s not my intent, that’s just who I am, who I’ve always been: wanting the best for everyone on and off the field.”
Heyward’s seamless transition from a minor-league contract and spring training invite to a leadership role began with gifting, to each of his teammates, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon on Opening Day. Then and now, he’s often among the first to speak up in the locker room, despite plenty of veterans around him who can fill the same role.
How did Heyward find his place among the team’s leaders so well, so quickly?
“I think it’s just experience,” he said. “Just knowing there’s a culture established, and wanting to be a part of that. … It’s a really special group.”
PLAYOFF ROTATION
Entering Saturday’s game against the Giants, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch a first-round bye was 1. They can take a red marker and strike the best-of-five wild-card round from their October schedules.
Even though the Dodgers won’t know their National League Division Series opponent until the wild-card games are complete, manager Dave Roberts already has his Games 1 and 2 starters penciled in. Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller will start in some order, Roberts said.
In seven starts since his August return from a shoulder injury, Kershaw has a 2.03 ERA (7 ER) across 31 innings. He has not pitched more than five innings in a start since June. Miller has a 3.52 ERA since the beginning of August while averaging nearly six innings per start.
Beyond Kershaw and Miller, the Dodgers are expected to mix and match starters and openers depending on the opposing team. Lance Lynn, Ryan Pepiot and Emmet Sheehan figure to be among the top options to fill out the remaining postseason rotation spots.
ALSO
The Dodgers optioned Gavin Stone, one day after he threw 4 ⅓ innings and took the loss against the Giants on Friday. Right-hander Michael Grove was activated from the 15-day injured list. … Margarita Mota, the wife of Manny Mota and mother of Jose, passed away on Saturday at the age of 81.
UP NEXT
Dodgers (RHP Lance Lynn, 12-11, 5.92 ERA) vs. San Francisco (TBD), Sunday, 4 p.m., ESPN, 570 AM