Dodgers superstar disliked team's recent roster move, new report suggests

The Los Angeles Dodgers controversially designated Jason Heyward for assignment on Thursday, which has reportedly left the Dodgers dealing with an emotional void.

All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman has been among those most deeply affected by Heyward’s departure, as Freeman is close friends with Heyward stemming from their time together on the Atlanta Braves.

The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya featured Freeman heavily in a new story on Heyward and the Dodgers.

“It’s above my pay grade … but just personally, it’s sad,” Freeman said Saturday about Heyward, per Ardaya.

“(Heyward had a) massive impact. That’s what I fought for to get him over here in the first place, was … forever how long he’s here, he’s going to make a lasting impact for many, many years beyond when he’s done with his time here. And I think it rings true when every single person in this organization, in this clubhouse, is sad. You know, it’s the impact he’s had on so many people, and lasting impact, and he’s made a lot of the young guys better, and that’s why I really wanted him to be here in the first place because I know what kind of impact he’s going to have on certain people’s careers as they go forward.”

“Glad we were able to respond with a win yesterday (a 7-3 walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Rays). Everyone is sad that he’s no longer here, but we have a job to do.”

The manner of Heyward’s DFA was described as “cut-throat” by Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, given that Heyward was let go directly after hitting a go-ahead, pinch-hit home run for Los Angeles in his final at-bat with the club.

Freeman and the rest of the Dodgers are clearly reeling from the loss of Heyward, but they’ll have to re-focus for the final stretch of the season, as Los Angeles has by no means wrapped up the division.

More MLB: Dodgers teenage phenom called ‘one of the most tantalizing offensive prospects’