Dodgers’ Emmet Sheehan Emerges as Postseason Contender with Stellar Performance Against Rockies
A Surprising Addition to the Rotation
When the Los Angeles Dodgers secured Blake Snell with a five-year, $182 million deal last December, they seemed to have crafted the perfect starting rotation. With Snell joining established right-handers Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers appeared primed for a deep postseason run. The lineup also featured Clayton Kershaw, returning for an 18th season, and a promising recovery trajectory for Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, who were expected to rebound from their injuries.
Yet, Emmet Sheehan, a name that lingered in the background, has emerged as a critical player in the Dodgers’ pitching plans as the season nears its end.
From Afterthought to Asset
Fast forward to September, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. May is now throwing for the Boston Red Sox, Gonsolin faces yet another injury setback, and Sheehan has stepped into the spotlight with an impressive record of 6-3 and a 3.32 ERA over his first 12 games this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Sheehan’s growing importance to the team’s postseason strategy. “Oh, he’s a real option,” Roberts stated. “I don’t know what capacity, but when you’re playing meaningful games… Emmet is, I like to use the word unflappable, and it’s a huge compliment. And he’s unflappable.”
A Standout Performance Against the Rockies
In a recent outing against the Colorado Rockies, Sheehan showcased his skills, throwing five perfect innings in the Dodgers’ 7-2 victory. He finished the game allowing only three hits and one run over seven innings, walking one batter and striking out nine. This performance solidified his status as a reliable option for the Dodgers.
Roberts praised Sheehan’s confidence and execution on the mound. “He knows he’s talented, and he knows how to execute pitches. He’s got good stuff, and no moment is too big for him,” the manager added. “I know that he’s a viable option for us now going forward.”
Strengthening the Starting Rotation
Sheehan’s recent success is part of a broader trend for the Dodgers’ starting pitchers, who have delivered three outings of seven innings or more in just four days. This streak highlights the team’s effort to alleviate the strain on a bullpen that has been pushed to its limits, leading all of Major League Baseball in innings pitched at 585.2. Their relievers also carry a 4.20 ERA, ranking 19th in the league, and they’ve suffered from a troubling number of blown saves.
The Dodgers’ reliance on pitchers recovering from major injuries has often backfired. May’s appearances have been limited to just 20 games since 2021, while Gonsolin, who underwent season-ending surgery in August, had only started seven games this season with a 5.00 ERA.
In contrast, Sheehan’s comeback from a May 2024 internal brace procedure on his right UCL has been seamless. He has allowed two or fewer runs in nine of his 12 starts and has consistently gone five innings in seven of those outings without exceeding 100 pitches.
Looking Ahead to October
If Sheehan can continue to perform at this level, his role in the Dodgers’ postseason plans will undoubtedly expand. His composure on the mound, combined with his effective pitching, positions him as a strong candidate to make a significant impact when October arrives. As the playoffs approach, the Dodgers will be counting on Sheehan to help solidify their rotation and push for a championship.
