The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially reinstated right-hander Emmet Sheehan, filling a vacancy on their 40-man roster. As a corresponding move, pitcher Matt Sauer was optioned to the minor leagues. This decision comes as Sheehan returns from a lengthy stay on the 60-day injured list due to Tommy John surgery.
The activation marks an important step for a Dodgers rotation that has faced challenges. With Ben Casparius now in a starter’s role and only a few regular starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, and Clayton Kershaw available, the injection of Sheehan into the mix is set to provide a crucial boost. This season, Sheehan made four rehab appearances, posting a commendable 3.97 ERA over 11 1/3 innings while striking out a staggering 44.7% of his opponents, though he has not featured in major league games since 2023.
Despite some concerns regarding his career 5.23 ERA in the majors, Sheehan’s recent performance has shown promise. His 3.68 ERA and 4.35 FIP during his last outings suggest he has the potential to contribute effectively as he is gradually reintegrated into the starting rotation. The Dodgers may opt for a cautious approach, initially limiting Sheehan to around 63 pitches, possibly utilizing him in tandem with another pitcher.
As the Dodgers advance through this season, adding Sheehan’s talent to the lineup could offset some of the pitching struggles the team has encountered, especially with the expected return of star Shohei Ohtani next month. The overall sentiment surrounding Sheehan’s return is optimistic, as fans and the team alike hope to see him reclaim his role and further fortify the Dodgers’ pitching lineup.