Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan made his first MLB start since undergoing Tommy John surgery on June 18 against the San Diego Padres.
Sheehan allowed one earned run on three hits across four innings of work. It was an impressive performance from the 25-year-old, who had six strikeouts and issued no walks against the Padres.
Despite Sheehan’s strong 2025 debut, the Dodgers optioned the right-hander to Triple-A Oklahoma City the day after he made his start.
The Dodgers’ decision to send Sheehan back down to the minors was surprising, but roster shuffles have been frequent this season with so many pitchers sidelined by injury.
Nevertheless, Sheehan continued performing at a high level with OKC, tossing six perfect innings in his last start earlier this week. The right-hander had an incredible 21 whiffs on 73 pitches.
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As for whether manager Dave Roberts was surprised to see Sheehan perform so well after the Dodgers optioned him?
“Not at all. Not at all,” Roberts said. “I think that he dominated the rehab program. He is much more physical than he used to be. I think he’s just got such a good head, a calmness about him. I think he dominated the glove-side command and the changeup off of it, the breaking ball. So I’m not surprised in the least.”
Sheehan is not eligible to be recalled until July 4, unless someone goes on the injured list. Roberts acknowledged the right-hander deserves to be in the Dodgers’ rotation long term, so Sheehan could soon be a familiar face with the big league roster.
