The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to secure a series win over the San Diego Padres in what could be a significant start for Emmet Sheehan.
Sheehan’s season has been filled with inconsistency, and the latest example was pitching just 3.1 innings in a blowout loss to the Baltimore Orioles last week.
“There were some times today where the fastball was good, it was lively, had swing and miss. The slider was good at times. I just think in total it hasn’t been where we need it to be or where he wants it to be,” manager Dave Roberts said after the game.
“I think right now he’s probably searching a little bit. He’ll get a start this next one and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Roberts did not offer further comment on Sheehan at the time, but the implication was his spot in the rotation seemingly being in peril. He personally has taken the loss in all four starts so far in June despite allowing three runs or fewer in three of those outings.
Though, one of them saw Sheehan removed after 1.1 innings because of a high pitch count. After struggling against the Orioles, Sheehan remarked that “my execution was really bad.”
“At this point, my coaches, teammates, the fans, they all deserve better than what I’m putting out there right now,” he added. “I can tell you I’m giving 100%. That’s never going to change. That’s all I can say.”
Through the early part of the season much of Sheehan’s struggles were attributed to a decline in fastball velocity. There’s been improvement on that front but command and control remain inconsistent.
“Execution and being confident in the pitch I want to throw. I think both of those need to improve,” Sheehan said last week. “I need to start giving us a chance to win the game.”
Emmet Sheehan’s spot in rotation
At the time of Roberts’ comments, the assumption was the Dodgers would perhaps consider replacing Sheehan in the rotation with River Ryan. However, Ryan has landed back on the Minor League injured list because of a hamstring issue.
There are additional depth candidates with Triple-A Oklahoma City, including Landon Knack being in the midst of a rehab assignment. But given Ryan’s hamstring injury, it’s possible Sheehan’s time with the Dodgers will be extended beyond the series finale at Petco Park even if it’s a lackluster outing.
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