The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the deepest starting rotations in Major League Baseball. Rivals envy the team’s blend of veteran legends, aces in their prime, and youngsters with high potential. However, one dark side to the depth is that it was built in part due to the medley of Dodger pitchers that have gotten hurt. The latest is Emmet Sheehan, who will start the year on the injured list with shoulder discomfort.
The ailment has prevented Sheehan from appearing in a Spring Training game. It will sideline him for the team’s opening series against the San Diego Padres in South Korea. Sheehan will join Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May as other Dodgers starters who will start 2024 on the IL.
Emmet Sheehan to Begin Season on Injured List
Emmet Sheehan To Begin Season On Dodgers' Injured List https://t.co/DomX5v6Lmx pic.twitter.com/tneP57TOtS
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 9, 2024
Manager Dave Roberts initially told reporters that Sheehan was dealing with general body soreness. While the issue seemed to subside, it returned after Sheehan threw a bullpen session. Roberts said Sheehan may have exerted too much effort after Shohei Ohtani had stepped into the box to track pitches.
Injuries to Dodgers pitchers rushed Sheehan to the majors last season, but the 24-year-old held his own. In his rookie campaign, he tossed 60.1 innings with a 4.92 ERA (89 ERA+) and a 25.8 percent strikeout rate. He did a great job at getting hitters to whiff and chase pitches but walked too many batters and gave up a lot of hard contact.
Some clarity today in the battle for the Dodgers' No. 5 rotation spot:
Emmet Sheehan will start the year on the IL, per Dave Roberts. Thus, Gavin Stone & Micheal Grove look like the frontrunners –– though, Roberts said Kyle Hurt and Ryan Yarbrough are also in the mix
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 9, 2024
With Sheehan on the injured list, the fifth starter role will likely go to prospect Gavin Stone. He struggled last year in his first taste of the majors but added 15-20 pounds of muscle in the winter and has looked great this spring (5.2 innings, 1.59 ERA).
Michael Grove, another promising Dodgers prospect, has struggled in camp so far. Barring any more injuries, he will likely start the year in Triple-A. Ryan Yarbrough is another option to start, but Roberts told reporters that the team prefers him in a swingman role out of the bullpen.
Main Photo Credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
