The Dodgers are shaking up their pitching staff big time ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants, with Tarik Skubal hitting the bereavement list and Emmet Sheehan getting a rapid call-up from Triple-A Oklahoma City. This isn’t just a simple roster shuffle, folks. With reliever Kyle Hurt also getting recalled and Seth Halvorsen optioned, it feels like we just saw a sneak peek at what the Dodgers are cooking up for their bullpen, especially with October around the corner.
Sheehan’s Whirlwind Return and Insane Turnaround
Talk about a whirlwind for Sheehan! He was just optioned on Monday, and normally, that means a 15-day stint in the minors. But because he’s stepping in for a player on the bereavement list, the right-hander gets to skip that waiting period and jump right back into the big league action. This kid was sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City on August 3, and seriously, he completely flipped a switch. We’re talking a full-on season turnaround! He even snagged Pacific Coast League pitcher of the month honors, which is no joke. Before getting sent back to OKC just for a “fresh arm” move, he was absolutely lights out for the big league club, giving up just one run over 11 2/3 innings last week. His last five outings, combining three in Triple-A and two with the Dodgers, have been ridiculous: he’s allowed only two runs across 29 innings, striking out 39 batters for a killer 36.4-percent strikeout rate, against just eight walks. This guy is on fire.
Postseason Preview? Sheehan’s Sunday Role Tells All
Even though all 26 of Sheehan’s outings this season have been starts, Sunday is going to be different. He’s slated to follow opener Jack Dreyer, signaling his most probable role if the Dodgers are going to lean on him in the postseason: bulk relief. Manager Dave Roberts made it clear, saying, “Emmet’s a part of the conversation, but if there is a role in the postseason it would be out of the ’pen.” So, this isn’t just a spot start, it’s a tryout for the biggest stage! Meanwhile, Skubal’s bereavement leave means he’ll be out at least three days, maybe up to seven. Don’t expect him back on the mound until his next scheduled start, probably next weekend in San Francisco. As for the other bullpen moves, Seth Halvorsen, who gave up nine runs and three dingers in 10 innings this season, is heading back to the minors after a busy week. On the flip side, Kyle Hurt, who has a 4.33 ERA and a 3.84 xERA in 43 games with the Dodgers this season, gets the call after throwing three scoreless innings for Oklahoma City since September 5.
So, what are we watching for on Sunday? It’s all eyes on Emmet Sheehan. This game against the Giants isn’t just another regular season matchup, it’s a huge audition for Sheehan to show he can be that crucial bulk relief arm come playoff time. You know the Dodgers are looking for any edge they can get, and this kid might just be it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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