Fresh off a dominant scoreless relief outing against the San Francisco Giants, Emmet Sheehan battles to secure a multi-inning bullpen role as the Los Angeles Dodgers finalize their roster for the postseason.
Emmet Sheehan had another opportunity to make his case for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason bullpen on Sunday. The team recalled him and fellow right-hander Kyle Hurt from Triple-A ahead of its series finale against the San Francisco Giants.
Sheehan is expected to cover multiple innings this week, helping Los Angeles preserve its bullpen before the postseason.
To make room, the Dodgers placed left-hander Tarik Skubal on the bereavement list and optioned right-hander Seth Halvorsen. Skubal will be away for a couple of days while attending to a personal matter.
Sheehan’s incredible form
Sheehan allowed one run on five hits (one home run) with 15 strikeouts in 11.2 innings over his last two Dodgers starts. He also pitched in relief on Sunday and threw 5.1 scoreless innings, surrendering one hit with nine strikeouts and a walk in the 3-1 win against the Giants.
Now he has an 0.53 ERA and 0.53 WHIP in 17 innings over his last three appearances (two starts) for the Dodgers, with 24 strikeouts and three walks.
After the game, Sheehan told reporters he was ready to take on whatever role the Dodgers needed, via the Bleed Los Podcast.
“Whatever role they want me to do going forward, I’m ready to do it.”
According to The Orange County Register, manager Dave Roberts praised both starts after Sheehan was sent down on Sept. 14. Roberts said Sheehan had done everything within his control to force the Dodgers to consider him for another opportunity.
“Man, Emmet’s been great. The last two have been fantastic,” Roberts said.
“Emmet’s done everything he can do in his power to force our hand, which I love. ... The last two have been really good.”
Sheehan has another chance to handle bulk innings and audition for a postseason roster spot. More strong appearances could secure him a role as a reliever capable of pitching multiple innings.
Hurt has moved between Triple-A and the Dodgers several times this season. He has a 4.33 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with one save, nine holds, 56 strikeouts and 23 walks in 43.2 innings across 43 appearances (one start).
Hurt is unlikely to feature in the Dodgers’ October plans, but he could cover innings during the final week of the regular season.
Skubal is expected back in time to make one more start before the season concludes. On Saturday, he allowed four runs on eight hits (one home run) with three strikeouts and two walks in five innings.
Halvorsen posted an 8.10 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 10 innings over 11 appearances with the Dodgers this season. Los Angeles acquired him from the Colorado Rockies in a three-player deal a couple of weeks before the trade deadline. He is unlikely to return to the team this year.
Sheehan’s upside
Sheehan’s appeal lies in his ability to give the Dodgers more than a brief relief appearance. A pitcher who can cover several innings offers the manager another way to manage the staff when a starter exits early or the bullpen has been heavily used.
He has also shown the patience required to handle a changing role. Sheehan continued working after being sent down and put himself in position for another call-up.
His challenge is to carry the same approach into upcoming outings. Working from the bullpen can require a pitcher to prepare quickly, establish his pitches without a long adjustment period and remain effective as an appearance continues.
Sheehan has earned the chance to show Roberts he can handle that assignment.
