LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers awarded outfielder Jason Heyward a minor league contract Thursday and invited him to spring training.

The 33-year-old player was released by the Chicago Cubs in the current offseason.

Heyward, who was injured several times last season, had the worst offensive statistics of his career: a .204 batting ERA, 10 RBIs and one home run in 137 plate appearances.

However, he is a valuable defensive player in the outfield.

Due to the contract, Heyward is reunited with first baseman Freddie Freeman. The two rose in the Atlanta Braves system and have been friends ever since.

Heyward was a team leader for the Cubs and helped win the 2016 World Series.

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