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Dodgers outfielder Chris Heisey becomes a free agent

Chris Heisey runs after hitting a home run during against San Diego on Oct. 4.

Chris Heisey runs after hitting a home run during against San Diego on Oct. 4.

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
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Outfielder Chris Heisey cleared outright waivers and elected to become a free agent Friday, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because the move hasn’t been announced.

If Heisey had remained on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, he would have been eligible for salary arbitration. That would likely have resulted in a raise from the $2.16-million salary he earned this year.

Heisey, 30, batted .182 with two home runs and nine runs batted in over 33 games for the Dodgers.

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A highly regarded defensive outfielder, Heisey had a particularly chaotic season. He was on the Dodgers’ major league roster five separate times.

Heisey, who spent the majority of the season at triple-A Oklahoma City, was released in August by the Dodgers and picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays. Three weeks later, the Dodgers reacquired him in a trade with the Blue Jays.

Heisey said in September that he hoped to become a full-time major leaguer again.

“One thing I’ve proven over the last five years is that I’m a reliable defender in the outfield at all three positions and I’ve had success pinch-hitting,” Heisey said. “I think I could have a job in the National League somewhere being a fourth outfielder.”

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