Dodgers Eyeing Emmet Sheehan for Playoff Role After Strong Showing

The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering Emmet Sheehan for a playoff role, with his recent performance in Triple-A Oklahoma City seen as a crucial step in his development for October. Sheehan is slated to pitch in a Pacific Coast League playoff game on Saturday, an assignment designed to prepare him for potential postseason appearances with the major league club.

Sheehan's potential inclusion comes after a string of strong outings for the Dodgers. In three starts this month, he pitched 17 innings, allowing only one run and striking out 24 batters while issuing just three walks. His most recent appearance saw him pitch 5 1/3 scoreless innings in the Dodgers' 3-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with Sheehan's recent performances, stating, "I’ve loved the version we’ve seen of Emmet the last three outings. He’s been fantastic." Roberts noted that Sheehan has improved his results since being sent down to Oklahoma City in early August. Modifications to his arsenal, particularly an increased use of his curveball and enhanced velocity control on his fastball, have been key to his success. Roberts highlighted that Sheehan has been able to maintain his fastball velocity in the 94-95 mph range for extended periods, even without consistently reaching 97 mph.

While the Dodgers anticipate starting Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal, and Tyler Glasnow in the postseason, they are exploring a potential relief role for Sheehan. This strategic shift was partly enabled by Tarik Skubal being placed on the bereavement list, which opened a roster spot. Sheehan entered Sunday's game in the second inning and pitched into the seventh, surrendering just one hit and one walk while recording nine strikeouts.

Sheehan described his approach as feeling "free and easy" with his delivery, focusing on execution rather than solely on velocity. "Instead of saying, 'I need 97 [mph] here,' it’s more like, 'If I hit my spot, he’s not going to hit it,'" Sheehan said.

With the Dodgers nearing a first-round bye, holding a four-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the National League's No. 2 seed with six games remaining in the regular season, roster decisions are becoming critical. The team is also evaluating other pitchers, such as left-hander Kris Bubic. Acquired from the Kansas City Royals, Bubic pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in three appearances for the Dodgers, striking out four and inducing weak contact. Roberts indicated that Bubic is also in consideration for a playoff roster spot, appreciating his ability to navigate lineups as a converted starter.