Emmet Sheehan to Start in Minor Leagues
Emmet Sheehan’s next outing is set to take place in the minor leagues. While he may not be in the spotlight, he certainly hasn’t faded from the team’s plans.
This Saturday, he is scheduled to start for triple-A Oklahoma City in a playoff matchup, a move that could help pave his way to potentially pitching for the Dodgers in the postseason.
Sheehan has made quite the impression recently, earning consideration for a playoff roster spot after a strong performance that included 5 ⅓ scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ clinching 3–1 win against the San Francisco Giants.
This game marked the third appearance for Sheehan this month, where he delivered impressive stats: 17 innings pitched, just one run allowed, and a striking 24 strikeouts against three walks.
“I’ve loved the version we’ve seen of Emmet the last three outings,” expressed manager Dave Roberts. “He’s been fantastic.”
After being sent down to Oklahoma City in early August, Sheehan returned to the majors with a tweaked pitching strategy that has yielded better results. He’s been using his curveball more frequently, and his ability to change speeds has enhanced the effectiveness of his fastball—particularly when it’s hovering around the 94-95 mph mark rather than the peak of 97 mph.
Roberts highlighted this shift, mentioning, “There’s a 97 that plays better, but 94–95 command still misses bats. He’s maintained those velocities for, say, 85 pitches.”
As the Dodgers plan for their postseason rotation, which includes starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal, and Tyler Glasnow, Sheehan is being transitioned into a relief role. This is partly facilitated by Jack Dreyer pitching as an opener on Sunday, creating space for Sheehan after Skubal went on bereavement leave.
When Sheehan took the mound in the second inning, he continued until the seventh, allowing only one hit, one walk, and racking up nine strikeouts.
Sheehan explained that he aims for a relaxed approach to his pitching. “Instead of saying, ‘I need 97 [mph] here,’ it’s more like, ‘If I hit my spot, he’s not going to hit it,’” he noted.
What It Means
The Dodgers are close to securing a first-round bye in the postseason, currently holding a four-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the National League’s No. 2 seed. With only six regular-season games left, every match counts.
Who’s Hot
Left-hander Kris Bubic, recently acquired from the Kansas City Royals, stepped in for Sheehan in the seventh inning and recorded the final two outs. Although he struck out one batter, a throwing error allowed another to reach base. No big deal; Bubic quickly wrapped up the inning by forcing a flyout.
Bubic has now pitched 2 ⅔ innings in three appearances for the Dodgers over the past week without allowing any runs and tallying four strikeouts. Roberts mentioned that Bubic too is making a case for a spot on the playoff team.
“It’s nothing overpowering,” Roberts said, “but he creates funky swings and generates soft contact. I see him as a neutral pitcher, which is valuable.”
Who’s Not
This section could easily be retitled “Who Wasn’t Hot.” It certainly fits Tommy Edman, who was batting just .048 heading into his sixth-inning at-bat. Fortunately for him, he managed to connect with an inside cutter and launched a home run into the visiting bullpen, tying the game 1–1.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers will take a day off on Monday before facing the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. The Padres are sending their ace, Michael King, to the mound, while the Dodgers are preparing for a bullpen game, according to Roberts.
