Emmet Sheehan has quietly become one of the Los Angeles Dodgers' most intriguing arms this season, especially now as the playoffs loom. The 25-year-old right-hander, who missed the early months rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, made his way back to the mound in mid-June. His debut against the Padres was nothing short of impressive—four solid innings in a tense 4-3 walk-off victory, sparked by Will Smith's homer. Sheehan struck out five that night, showing the velocity and command that first caught scouts' eyes out of Boston College.
Indeed, his progress has been steady, if not always flashy. By late July, Sheehan notched a win in his return to Fenway Park, locking down the Red Sox over five innings despite some early wobbles. He allowed just two runs, fanning seven, and the Dodgers' bullpen held firm for a 5-2 edge. Through 73.1 innings this year, he's posted a sharp 2.82 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP, with 89 strikeouts against only 22 walks. Those numbers whisper reliability in a rotation stacked with stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.
However, Sheehan's path hasn't been without hurdles. The surgery, performed last fall, sidelined him for months, and his minor-league tune-ups were methodical, almost cautious. Critics might point to occasional command issues—a wild pitch here, a free pass there—but his fastball-slider combo has neutralized hitters effectively. In September, he tossed a clean inning against the Giants, striking out the side amid a single and an error. It's that resilience that has Dodgers brass eyeing him for a bigger postseason role.
Moreover, with the team's depth tested by injuries elsewhere, Sheehan's emergence feels timely. He's not the headliner, yet his poise under pressure hints at untapped potential. As the Dodgers gear up for October, one wonders if this former Eagles ace can deliver in the spotlight, turning whispers into roars.