The Los Angeles Dodgers have seemingly faced a need for starting pitching through most of the season thus far, which made Emmet Sheehan’s return from Tommy John surgery all the more valuable.
Sheehan was back on the mound Wednesday night for his first start with the Dodgers just 13 months removed having surgery. He navigated a short rehab assignment that comprised of just four outings.
While the right-hander was impressive in his 2025 debut, the Dodgers optioned Sheehan to Triple-A Oklahoma City the following afternoon in order to recall Jack Little. The rookie spent just one game with the Dodgers, making his MLB debut, before getting optioned himself in favor of Will Klein.
Given the shorthanded nature of their starting rotation, sending Sheehan down the Minors was somewhat of a curious decision. But it was one made in the overall interest of a bullpen that has taken on significant workload and how Justin Wrobleski could help alleviate that.
“It was more of deciding, essentially, between Wrobo and Emmett. You’re talking about going into Denver, altitude, and just making sure the ‘pen is in a good spot, protecting your downside,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained.
“Wrobo has a lot more innings and pitches available, versus a guy who’s got one outing coming back from a rehab outing. And then potentially to take the Sunday on a shorter rest, which Emmett hasn’t done. So I think that in totality, it was the prudent thing to do. But Emmett will be back soon.”
Roberts also mentioned there’s an added benefit of Sheehan returning to Oklahoma City, where he can continue to “build out naturally” in starts. Sheehan was limited to four innings, or 60 to 70 pitches in his first outing with the Dodgers.
Sheehan wound up completing four innings on 65 pitches.
Emmet Sheehan surprising with command
Oftentimes the biggest and final hurdle for a pitcher to overcome in their return from Tommy John surgery is with command. But that’s not been an issue for the 25-year-old, whether during his rehab assignment or start against the San Diego Padres.
“I don’t really know, but I’m definitely happy with it,” answered Sheehan when asked about having his command so soon. “I think it just comes from work being put in. All the mound work before, throwing multiple ‘pens before even facing hitters.”
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