Emmet Sheehan unexpectedly took the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park last week after Shohei Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled pitching start due to an illness.
Sheehan held the Pittsburgh Pirates to five hits and two runs in 4.2 innings of work, but took his third loss of the season as the Dodgers were shut out.
Sheehan also found himself at the center of controversy during his start after Pirates rookie Cam Devanney recorded his first career Major League hit.
The Pirates signaled for Sheehan to throw the ball to their dugout after getting a new one from the home-plate umpire, but he instead appeared to do a double switch in his glove and continued to use it.
Dodgers broadcaster Stephen Nelson revealed that Sheehan cleared the air with Devanney after the game and gave him an autographed Clayton Kershaw baseball to make up for his mistake:
Sheehan & Devanney worked out together in the offseason. So, they know each other and did talk. Sheehan just liked the feel of the ball—pitcher preference. Devanney took no offense and thought it was funny. Emmet also got Kershaw to sign another ball for Cam. In the end, all good https://t.co/0AlmfqghpX
— Stephen Nelson (@StephenNelson) September 6, 2025
Players traditionally get back their first big league hit to commemorate a major milestone, and though it’s unfortunate that Devanney missed out on the experience, he doesn’t appear to have any negative feelings for Sheehan.
While Sheehan apologized to Devanney, he has been subject to plenty of criticism on social media from fans and even some former players, including Eric Hosmer.
Dodgers planned to skip Emmet Sheehan
Prior to making a spot start against the Pirates, Sheehan’s turn in the rotation was going to be skipped due to the Dodgers having some flexibility with off days.
The right-hander is in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, so the Dodgers are not going to push him more than necessary. He’s at 52.2 innings this season, which is closing in on Sheehan’s career high of 60.1.
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