Manager Dave Roberts praised Emmet Sheehan following his latest performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, strongly suggesting that the right-hander will earn a place on the postseason roster.

Sheehan was recently optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he appears likely to rejoin Los Angeles for the National League Division Series next weekend.

According to The Orange County Register, Roberts said he has appreciated the version of Sheehan displayed during his last three outings. The manager has seen greater confidence, urgency and trust from a pitcher fighting to create an opportunity for himself.

Roberts also believes Sheehan is physically strong and described his recent performances as fantastic.

“I’ve loved the version we’ve seen of Emmet the last three outings,” Roberts said.

“He’s been fantastic. We’ve seen confidence. We’ve seen when you’re essentially fighting for your life to create an opportunity for yourself.

“That’s what I see. There’s urgency," Roberts continued. "I like the way that he’s trusting his stuff. He’s in a good spot physically, and you know the performance has been fantastic.”

The 26-year-old completed his regular season Sunday with an excellent appearance during the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

Sheehan surrendered one hit with nine strikeouts and a walk in 5.1 scoreless innings. He entered during the second inning after Jack Dreyer handled the first, giving Sheehan additional experience working from the bullpen.

Sheehan has allowed one run on six hits (one home run) with 24 strikeouts in 17 innings over three September appearances (two starts).

Roberts explained that Sheehan’s 97 mph fastball plays particularly well, but he can still miss bats when commanding the pitch at 94 or 95 mph.

Maintaining that velocity has also impressed the manager. During Sheehan’s recent appearances, he has sustained his 94 and 95 mph velocity through approximately 85 pitches.

“I think that obviously there’s a 97 [mph] that plays better, but 94-95 commanded still misses bats,” Roberts explained.

“That’s one part of it. The other part of it is holding the velocity. And so, for me, the last three or four since he’s been back here, he’s held those 94s and 95s for the, call it, 85 pitches.”

Sheehan is 5-8 with a 4.57 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 112.1 innings over 23 appearances (22 starts), recording 132 strikeouts against 33 walks this season.

The Dodgers expect to use him from the bullpen during this postseason, repeating the role he held last year.

Sheehan made six relief appearances during the 2025 postseason, posting an 8.59 ERA and 2.45 WHIP with six strikeouts in 7.1 innings.

Those results were disappointing, but Sheehan believes the previous experience has better prepared him for another opportunity. He acknowledged that adjusting immediately to a bullpen routine can be difficult.

Having already experienced that transition, Sheehan understands what preparation he needs before entering a game and expects improved results in the more familiar role.

“Definitely,” Sheehan said.

“I think the routine of everything can be a little bit hard to adjust to right away. So having that experience helps a lot. Just getting back into that, I know what I need to do to get ready to go into the game.”

His ability to cover multiple innings gives Roberts an important option if a starter exits early or a game requires an unconventional pitching plan.

Sheehan has displayed adaptability and willingness to compete for a role . He has moved between Triple-A, the rotation and the bullpen without allowing the uncertainty to weaken his preparation.

His fastball can overpower hitters, while sustained velocity allows him to remain effective beyond a brief appearance. Sheehan’s growing confidence also helps him attack rather than pitch cautiously.

If he maintains his recent form, Sheehan can become a serious postseason weapon for Los Angeles.