Dodgers activate Jason Heyward and make multiple roster moves following Max Muncy’s injury

Max Muncy's latest injury concern has led the Los Angeles Dodgers to shuffle the roster and make bold moves on Friday. Jason Heyward, after a few rehab assignments, makes his way on the roster. Heyward last played on March 30 before being placed on the injured list due to lower back tightness

Third baseman Max Muncy is being placed on the injured list due to a mild oblique strain. With Heyward's return, the Dodgers were left with either Chris Taylor or James Outman, both of whom are in a slump, to be designated for assignment. The axe fell on Outman who will now need to grind his time in Triple-A.

Moreover, the club has recalled outfielder Miguel Vargas and right-handed pitcher Ricky Vanasco, leaving left-handed pitcher Nick Ramirez to be optioned.

Dodgers manager reveals reason behind James Outman's move to AAA

Outfielder Jason Heyward's return could have only meant one thing: One of Andy Pages, Chris Taylor, and James Outman had to make room.

The first person to get cleared was Pages, who is doing well, hitting .267 and compiling four home runs and 13 RBIs in 101 at-bats. Taylor is only hitting .083, but he still has almost $30 million owed this year. That seems to be the key difference on top of Outman's struggles at the plate (.147).

MLB: Miami Marlins at Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned Outman not being able to deliver on the expectations of the team but expressed confidence in his abilities to grind his way back on the major league roster.

"I don't think any of us expected to be in this position given last year and then our expectations for him this season," Roberts said.

"But with the inconsistencies, the struggles, Jason coming back, [Andy Pages'] play the last six weeks, we just felt that James needed an opportunity to go down and play every day. There's something to getting out of this environment, performance-based, and just going out there and playing baseball. Once we can get him back on track, we'll get him back here." [via ESPN].

In Max Muncy's absence, the Dodgers have options in Kike Hernandez and Miguel Rojas to play third base. Hernandez got the nod in Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.