Emmet Sheehan talks his current health, development, 2024 role, and more

PHOENIX — Emmet Sheehan was one of the top candidates to nab the final spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation. Yet after reported shoulder tightness this spring, Dave Roberts confirmed last Saturday Sheehan will start the season on the IL. 

When I spoke with Sheehan at Camelback Ranch after Roberts’ announcement, he told me that he “felt good” and he was already back to throwing.

In fact, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that Sheehan threw a bullpen session the day after our conversation.

Emmet Sheehan is throwing a bullpen right now. First one since complaining of shoulder soreness. Plan is for him to start the year on the IL.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 10, 2024

Sheehan has yet to pitch in a game this Spring due to shoulder discomfort, and Roberts also described it as general body soreness. The decision to place Sheehan on the IL to open the 2024 season looks to be more precautionary than anything to fret about given that he’s already back to throwing bullpens in camp. A 15-day IL stint for Sheehan could only cost him one start, but the Dodgers will allow as much time for him to be 100% healthy. 

There’s no reason to push Sheehan, especially since he became very important to the Dodgers last season when they were riddled with injuries to their starting rotation. The 2021 sixth-round pick of the team stepped up and posted a 4.92 ERA over 60 ⅓ innings for the Dodgers after his call-up in June at age 23 with only 9 ⅔ innings recorded at the Triple-A level.  Sheehan’s walk-rate (10.5%) and hard hit rate (42%) in that 60-inning span needs improvement, but his .186 xBA shows his potential on the mound.

While the Dodgers have rotation options to hold them over until his return, the best version of their team includes a healthy Sheehan breaking out in one role or another, and I talked to the 24-year-old rising prospect about his health, what he’s focusing on in development, and that role.

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Stacie: Can you give us an update on your health and what’s going on?

Emmett: “Yeah. I’m feeling good. Getting back into throwing the past few days. Everything’s on the right track right now.”

Stacie: What are you concentrating on this Spring as far as your development?

Emmett: “Right now it’s just about getting healthy for the most part. Other than that, I’m feeling like I’m in a good spot with everything I learned last year that I was able to pick up from the older guys, from the coaches. Truly, you know, I focus on consistency and getting healthy.”

Stacie: As far as your role on the team, does it matter to you if you come out as a starter or you come out of the bullpen?

Emmett: “I don’t really have a preference honestly. It doesn’t matter to me. Whatever they need me to do, I’m ready to do it.”

Stacie: How do you stay focused on yourself amongst all the hoopla and attention the team is getting from the offseason acquisitions?

Emmett: “It’s pretty easy for me to stay in a routine that I’ve been trying to get better with as I’ve gone through my pro career. I think the better routine you have, the easier it is to not get too distracted by stuff like that. 

Stacie: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

Emmett: “This might make some people mad. My favorite player was Tim Lincecum growing up.”

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Despite that last answer, here’s hoping that by the time the calendar rolls over to April, we see Emmet back on the mound for the Dodgers.