Young Dodgers Starting Pitcher Heading to Injured List, Says Dave Roberts

This is unfortunate news for a bright player.

On Saturday, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that right-handed starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan would start the year on the injured list. Sheehan has not seen any action in spring training games so far this season.

Emmet Sheehan will start the season on the injured list, Dave Roberts said.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 9, 2024

Reports came out earlier this spring that Sheehan had not been throwing. When asked about it, Roberts said that Sheehan was experiencing some, "general body soreness."

At the time, the Dodgers manager did not seem all that concerned about his young pitcher. Now, his return to the mound is unclear.

This comes as no surprise for anyone who follows the Dodgers closely. The organization does not like giving away any information that they do not have to. 

They generally slow-play injury news and announce it at the last minute. Last year, they said that Tony Gonsolin rolled his ankle walking off the field. That turned into Gonsolin missing the first month of the season, making his first start on April 26.

Heading into the season, Sheehan was the front-runner for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. With his injury, others have emerged as likely candidates including Gavin Stone and Michael Grove.

He made his MLB debut last year at the age of 25. He had a 4.92 ERA over 60.1 innings but finished the season strong. In his final three games, he only allowed three runs over 13.2 innings - good for a 1.98 ERA.

At times, he flashed his high prospect pedigree and his nasty fastball. Some believe that he has the best fastball of anyone in the Dodgers organization - including his contemporary Bobby Miller.

Right now, no timetable for his return has been announced. The Dodgers starting pitching depth is already being tested before the season has started.