Emmet Sheehan, Dodgers look to salvage series finale vs. Astros

Right-hander Emmet Sheehan will get a second chance to make a first impression when he returns to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster to face the visiting Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon.

Sheehan (0-0, 2.25 ERA) appeared to make a triumphant return from Tommy John surgery when he gave up one run and three hits over four innings with six strikeouts against the San Diego Padres on June 18. The Dodgers beat their division rival 4-3.

But in an unexpected twist, Sheehan was sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City the following day as the Dodgers prioritized strengthening their bullpen ahead of a home series against Washington and a trip to Colorado.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts promised Sheehan still would play a role in the proceedings, and after two Triple-A starts, he is back.

Sheehan’s return to the Dodgers could end up being as short as the last stay. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow is set to rejoin the rotation on the upcoming road trip to Milwaukee and San Francisco after overcoming a shoulder injury. Blake Snell is expected to be back after the All-Star break from his own shoulder inflammation.

Roberts famously used bullpen games last postseason to navigate the Dodgers to the World Series title. He has used bullpen games in the first half this season, but his days of more options than rotation spots are near.

“We’ve come together really well, which I like,” Roberts said. “There’s some things that we’ve got to certainly get better at. But the win-loss, the standings, all that stuff, that certainly matters, and I think that’s kind of a by-product of coming together, not making excuses.”

The Dodgers will need a victory Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep by the Astros. The last time the Dodgers were swept in a three-game home series was against the Los Angeles Angels from May 16-18.

The Astros waited until after Saturday’s game to announce a starter for Sunday, with manager Joe Espada choosing rookie right-hander Ryan Gusto (5-3, 4.90 ERA).

This will be Gusto’s first appearance against the Dodgers. Sheehan has faced the Astros once in his career, allowing two runs on three hits over six innings in a win in 2023.

Houston has done everything right in the current series, winning the opener 18-1 before pulling off a 6-4 victory Saturday after waiting out two scoreless innings by Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani at the outset.

Yainer Diaz hit a home run while Zack Short got the Houston offense going with a two-run double in the third inning. The consecutive victories at Los Angeles mean Houston has not lost any of its last 13 series going back to May 22.

The Astros welcomed back right-handed reliever Hector Neris, who signed with the club Saturday after being released by the Angels. He joined a bullpen that pitched six scoreless innings in the first two games of the series.

Neris pitched for the Astros from 2022-24, going 14-8 with a 2.90 ERA and six saves in 157 relief appearances.

“We’re excited to have Hector Neris back,” Espada said. “… What we get from him on the mound is that he’s always a great competitor. He can give you multiple innings and get big outs for you. We are really excited.”

–Field Level Media