Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Emmet Sheehan has had a whirlwind 2023 season, going from the Double-A Tulsa Drillers all the way to the Majors for his debut on June 16.
Although Sheehan had earned a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City, he technically joined the Dodgers straight from the Double-A level. That was in response to the Dodgers absorbing an endless array of injuries in their starting rotation, which created a need — and opportunity — for Sheehan.
The right-hander impressed in his MLB debut against the San Francisco Giants, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning and collecting three strikeouts along the way.
Sheehan has since spent some time with Oklahoma City but is back up with the Dodgers and said he’s thankful for all this season has brought about, via SportsNet LA:
“It’s awesome. I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I’m getting right now. I’m just trying to make the most of it every time. It’s all I can think about, is just going out on my start day and doing the most that I can for us.”
In further reflecting on all that 2023 has entailed, Sheehan acknowledged some of it is difficult to fathom:
“It’s been kind of a whirlwind, honestly. Just a crazy ride. If you told me at the beginning of this year that this is what it would’ve looked like, I might not have believed you. But really happy, obviously, with how it’s gone. Happy to be able to contribute on this team and just really exciting going towards the playoffs and being able to be a part of something this special is really cool to me.”
The 23-year-old was 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 12 games (10 starts) for the Drillers this season before making the jump to the Majors.
Upon getting optioned to Oklahoma City, Sheehan struggled a bit as he went 0-1 with a 5.59 ERA in three games (one start). However, that was largely due to struggling in a start with OKC after making two relief appearances.
Sheehan similarly had a stretch of three subpar starts in a row during his last stint with the Dodgers, but overall has flashed plenty of potential and bounced back with encouraging performances.
Dodgers postseason: Sheehan likely to fill key role
With the Dodgers starting rotation again in a state of flux because of Julio Urías’ arrest on suspected felony domestic violence, Clayton Kershaw’s troublesome left shoulder and Walker Buehler no longer eyeing a return in 2023, Sheehan’s importance and potential role for October has grown exponentially in the past week.
He conceivably could be tasked with starting a postseason game or taking on a bulk role out of the bullpen.
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