The Dodgers are handing Emmet Sheehan the ball Monday as they open a three-game set with the Reds, and the timing tells you plenty about where Los Angeles stands right now. With the NL West still comfortably in hand, the Dodgers can afford to keep sorting through their pitching picture while also looking ahead to October.
Sheehan’s assignment comes after Los Angeles recalled him from Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he has been sharp enough to force the issue. Over his last three starts there, the right-hander allowed just one run in 17.2 innings, a stretch that earned him Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Month honors for August.
The opening in the rotation came when Eric Lauer was placed on the injured list after his start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. That outing ended in a 13-8 loss, and now Sheehan gets the next shot.
For Sheehan, this is more than just a spot start. He’s in position to make a case for a playoff roster spot, whether that ends up being as a starter or out of the bullpen. Los Angeles already moved him to Triple-A after acquiring Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, so this is another chance to show he belongs at the Major League level.
The Dodgers have already used Sheehan in 20 starts this season, but the numbers have not matched what they saw from him in 2025. He enters Monday at 4-8 with a 5.29 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP.
The home run ball has been the biggest problem. Sheehan has given up 20 homers this year, which is more than he allowed during the rest of his Major League career combined. That’s the issue Los Angeles is hoping his recent work in Oklahoma City helps him clean up.
Even with those pitching questions, the bigger picture remains pretty simple: the Dodgers are 86-57 and lead the division by 10.5 games with 20 games left. That cushion gives them room to manage the staff carefully, but the calendar is moving fast. A strong outing from Sheehan would give them another useful option as the postseason gets closer.
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