As the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a dire need for starting pitching last season, Emmet Sheehan was among the multiple prospects who received an opportunity to make his MLB debut.
Sheehan was on the verge of joining Triple-A Oklahoma City when he was promoted to the big leagues from Double-A Tulsa. The right-hander impressed in his opportunities with the Dodgers and showed some of the promise that made him a fast-rising prospect in the organization.
Sheehan then went into Spring Training this year among the candidates to make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster as the fifth starter with Walker Buehler being delayed due to his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has now ruled out Sheehan from potentially being in the Opening Day rotation as he will start the season on the injured list, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Emmet Sheehan will start the season on the injured list, Dave Roberts said.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 9, 2024
Sheehan’s buildup in camp was paused last month due to what Roberts initially described as general body soreness. It surfaced after a Sheehan threw a bullpen session that included Shohei Ohtani stepping into the batter’s box to track pitches. Roberts surmised Sheehan may have overexerted himself because of that.
Sheehan’s trouble more recently was deemed right shoulder soreness and just resumed a throwing program. But even with that, he was ruled out from potentially appearing in a Cactus League game.
The 24-year-old went 4-1 with a 4.92 ERA, 4.85 FIP, 1.19 WHIP and averaged 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 13 games (11 starts) for the Dodgers last season.
What Emmet Sheehan news means for Dodgers
With Sheehan beginning the 2024 season on the IL, that effectively makes Gavin Stone the Dodgers’ fifth starter come Opening Day.
Landon Knack was already sent to Minor League camp, Michael Grove has struggled a bit in two of his three Spring Training games thus far — all of which have been relief appearances — and Roberts previously explained the Dodgers view Ryan Yarbrough’s best role being a swingman.
Sheehan not being available at the start of the season also has an impact on Oklahoma City, who he’s expected to spend the bulk of 2024 with.
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!
