Fast-rising prospect Emmet Sheehan put himself ahead of schedule and emerged as a key contributor for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2023 season.
Sheehan was included on the Tulsa Drillers’ Opening Day roster and in June had earned a promotion from Double-A to Triple-A Oklahoma City. However, before that was made official, the right-hander skipped OKC altogether en route to making his MLB debut with the Dodgers.
It wound up being a dominant performance as Sheehan completed six no-hit innings on 89 pitches. “I honestly had no idea until like the fifth inning,” he said of the no-hitter.
“I was definitely kind of thinking about it, but trying to not think about it as much as I possibly could.”
Sheehan remained on the Dodgers roster until getting optioned to Oklahoma City on August 4. He returned once active rosters expanded on the first day of September and was with the team for the National League Division Series.
While the Dodgers intend to continue developing Sheehan as a starter, two of his 13 games for the team were out of the bullpen. He also pitched in relief of Clayton Kershaw during Game 1 of the NLDS.
Overall with the Dodgers during the regular season, Sheehan finished 4-1 with a 4.92 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.
He dominated in 12 games (10 starts) for the Drillers to begin the year, going 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 88 strikeouts over 53.1 innings pitched. In limited opportunities with Oklahoma City, Sheehan went 0-1 with a 5.59 ERA in three games (one start).
Emmet Sheehan 2023 highlight
Sheehan’s MLB debut certainly was a memorable moment from the 2023 season, and it also marked the start of a historic stretch.
With another stellar performance against the Houston Astros, Sheehan became the first pitcher during the Modern Era (since 1900) of MLB history to allow no more than three hits and pitch at least 12 innings through his first two starts.
Sheehan followed up the six no-hit innings by limiting the Astros to just three hits — albeit two homers. The rookie finished his outing by retiring the final nine batters faced.
2024 outlook
With the Dodgers likely holding Walker Buehler back at the start of the 2024 season due an innings limit, there currently projects to be an opening in their rotation.
Sheehan is among the candidates to be part of the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, but if not selected, should begin the season with Oklahoma City and be a top option to get recalled when there is a need in the rotation.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
