Despite the 2023 season abruptly ending in disappointing fashion for the Los Angeles Dodgers, rookie Emmet Sheehan had a year he will not soon forget.
When Sheehan began the season with Double-A Tulsa, making his MLB debut in 2023 was not something he could have expected, much less having success for the Dodgers and his first postseason appearance.
Nobody envisioned Sheehan being called up straight from Double-A to the Dodgers roster and logging six innings of no-hit ball in his first Major League start, either. Sheehan’s rookie season culminated with 4-1 record, 4.92 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.
He finished with 64 strikeouts over 60.1 innings and pitched both as a starter and out of the bullpen.
Several players have posted on social media in the time since the Dodgers were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series, and Sheehan was among those to express gratitude for the organization and fans through his Instagram account.
After ending the regular season on a strong note, Sheehan made his playoff debut in Game 1 of the NLDS. Like with his MLB debut, that occurred earlier than planned as Clayton Kershaw failed to make it through the first inning in the worst start of his career.
Sheehan gave up three runs over 3.2 innings, and the Dodgers were blown out of the game.
Despite his struggles, Sheehan expressed gratefulness for the Dodgers having confidence in him on the big stage.
“I wish it could’ve gone a little better for me and the team,” Sheehan said after the Game 1 loss. “But for them to have confidence in me means everything.
With the Dodgers already down by large margin, Sheehan also tried his best to enjoy the moment.
“I was trying to take it all in as much as I could and just do my job,” Sheehan said. “Keep us in the game because we always have a shot with our offense. I did as much as I could to keep us in it. I feel like it could’ve gone a little bit better, but I was happy to get in there.”
Emmet Sheehan among key Dodgers rookies
Sheehan, Bobby Miller, Michael Grove, James Outman and Ryan Pepiot were all included on the Dodgers postseason roster as rookies.
Pepiot did not have a chance to make his postseason debut, but going into 2024, the young players will look to play a key part in helping the Dodgers win another NL West title and overcome their struggles in October.
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!<
