The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated right-hander Emmet Sheehan according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. In a corresponding move, they have optioned Matt Sauer to Triple A Oklahoma City. Sheehan will make his first Major League start in thirteen months after recovering from Tommy John surgery. This comes on the heels of Shohei Ohtani‘s long-awaited return to the mound.
The Dodgers officially activated Emmet Sheehan for his start tonight. Matt Sauer was optioned.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 18, 2025
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Necessary Coverage
Matt Sauer was the logical casualty of the Sheehan activation, however he pitched necessary innings against the division rival San Diego Padres. To a staff with an arm shortage, he was an essential piece. He has been optioned five times this season, which is the limit per MLB rules. The right-hander has a 6.18 Earned Run Average in 27 and 2/3 innings with 22 strikeouts.
The Conversation
Sheehan has made four rehab starts on his way back to the majors. The latest was three and a third innings which was short of the projected four innings that Los Angeles wished, but apparently in “the conversation” Manager Dave Roberts had with the Dodger top brass, they had seen enough. Even though he has only thrown a maximum of 63 pitches in an outing. However, he has struck out nearly 45% of the batters he faced, while only allowing one walk. That seems to be enough to catch anyone’s eye.
Down on the Farm
Alexis Diaz, who was recently acquired from the Cincinnati Reds made his minor-league debut last night for Oklahoma City. The former closer had been down in Arizona reworking his delivery before joining the club. He retired three of the four batters he faced. Diaz may be an interesting addition to the big leagues later in season, especially with the loss of Evan Philips for the year.
It might be too much to say that the Dodgers are finally starting to get healthy. After all, they still have dozen arms on the I.L. However, it is a start.
Main Photo Credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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