Dodgers Option Emmet Sheehan Despite Strong Postseason Audition

Emmet Sheehan could not have done much more with his latest opportunity in the Dodgers’ rotation.

That still did not prevent him from being sent back to Triple-A.

The Dodgers optioned Sheehan one day after he completed six scoreless innings against the Marlins, recalling Paul Gervase to give the bullpen a fresh arm during a stretch of 10 consecutive game days.

The move was about immediate roster needs rather than Sheehan’s performance.

Over his last two starts, Sheehan allowed only one run across 11⅔ innings while striking out 15 and walking two. His next opportunity with the Dodgers could now depend on Roki Sasaki’s availability and how the club decides to organize its pitching staff over the final weeks of the regular season.

Sheehan Delivered in Both Opportunities

Sheehan began his latest two-start stretch by holding the Reds to one run over 5⅔ innings.

He allowed three hits and one walk while matching his career high with 10 strikeouts. The Dodgers gave him another start six days later, and he responded with an even better run-prevention performance.

Sheehan retired the first nine batters he faced against Miami. He encountered his only serious trouble in the fourth inning, when two singles and a walk loaded the bases, but escaped without allowing a run.

He then retired all six batters he faced over his final two innings, completing six scoreless frames with five strikeouts.

Sheehan did not receive a decision after the bullpen surrendered the lead, but his individual performance strengthened his case for another opportunity.

Paul Gervase Gives the Bullpen a Fresh Arm

The Dodgers used four relievers Friday, three Saturday and four more Sunday. With the club beginning a series in Cincinnati and still facing several consecutive days without a scheduled break, adding another available reliever became the immediate priority.

Gervase last pitched Friday for Triple-A, recording all four outs of a scoreless save by strikeout.

This will be his fifth stint with the Dodgers this season. He has recorded a 2.35 ERA with eight strikeouts and five walks over 7⅔ Major League innings.

Sheehan, meanwhile, would not have been available to start again for several days. His remaining minor-league options gave the Dodgers a way to reinforce the bullpen without losing a pitcher from the organization.

Roki Sasaki Could Affect Sheehan’s Next Opportunity

What happens next may depend partly on Sasaki.

Sasaki is working toward a return after being sidelined by a blister on his right middle finger. If he proves ready to rejoin the rotation, the Dodgers would have one fewer opening available for Sheehan.

Roberts also suggested the club could eventually consider Sheehan for a bullpen assignment.

“Some of it’s probably contingent on Roki,” Roberts said while discussing Sheehan’s situation and the possibility of another opportunity later in the schedule.

Roberts then offered a strong assessment of what Sheehan accomplished during his latest stint.

“Emmet’s done everything he can do in his power to force our hand, which I love,” Roberts said. “The last two have been really good.”

That does not guarantee Sheehan another start or a place on the postseason roster, but it makes clear that his performance has kept him in the conversation.

Has Sheehan Earned a Postseason Role?

Sheehan has done enough to warrant serious consideration.

Whether that translates into an actual postseason roster spot will depend on what role the Dodgers need him to fill.

A place in the October rotation appears difficult to secure with the Dodgers evaluating several established starting options and hoping to have Sasaki available. Sheehan’s clearest path may be as a multi-inning reliever who can provide length, miss bats and potentially handle a start if circumstances require one.

His 15 strikeouts over his last 11⅔ innings demonstrate the swing-and-miss ability that could play out of the bullpen. His experience as a starter would also allow him to cover multiple innings instead of being limited to one-inning appearances.

The question is whether the Dodgers will value that versatility enough to devote a postseason bullpen spot to him.

Other pitchers are competing for those innings, and several injury recoveries could change the composition of the staff before October. The Dodgers do not need to make that decision yet.

For now, the option should not be interpreted as Sheehan falling out of favor.

The Dodgers needed a fresh reliever. Sheehan had just pitched six innings and could not provide immediate help. His available option made him the practical roster move.

His recent performance told a much different story.

Sheehan has not secured a postseason role, but he has pitched well enough to ensure the Dodgers must continue considering him for one.