Dodgers Place Tarik Skubal on Bereavement List
Emmet Sheehan Recalled as Pitcher Departs for "a Couple Days."
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal has been placed on the bereavement list, manager Dave Roberts announced Sunday. The move comes just a day after Skubal's most challenging start with the team, during which he allowed four runs in five innings in Saturday's 10-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
In Skubal's absence, Emmet Sheehan has been recalled from triple-A. Sheehan is expected to serve as the bulk pitcher behind opener Jack Dreyer in Sunday's series finale against the Giants. Roberts stated that Skubal will be away from the team for "a couple days," with no further details provided.
Skubal, acquired at the trade deadline in August, is considered a contender for the Dodgers' Game 1 playoff start. Despite Saturday's performance, where he surrendered eight hits and struggled with fastball command, the left-hander has a 4-2 record with a 2.95 ERA in nine starts for the Dodgers this season.
He is expected to be a key part of a postseason rotation that also includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell, provided Snell continues his recovery from a groin injury.
The Dodgers also made a change to their bullpen on Sunday, calling up right-hander Kyle Hurt and optioning Seth Halvorsen. The team is aiming to complete a sweep of the Giants and further reduce their magic number to secure a first-round playoff bye. As of Sunday, the Dodgers lead the Atlanta Braves by four games for the No. 2 seed in the National League.