LA Dodgers Reshuffle Pitching Staff as Shohei Ohtani Nears Return

Dodgers Make Multiple Pitching Moves

The Los Angeles Dodgers are shaking up their pitching staff. On Sunday, the team recalled right handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan to handle most of the work in their series finale against the San Francisco Giants.

This was one of four pitching moves the team made. They also recalled Kyle Hurt, placed Tarik Skubal on the bereavement list, and sent Seth Halvorsen down to Triple A Oklahoma City. Jack Dreyer will start the game as the Dodgers try to sweep their rivals. Sheehan, who has five wins and eight losses with a 4.79 ERA in 22 games this season, will follow him. Manager Dave Roberts said they are trying to see what options give Sheehan the best chance.

Tucker Rests and Ohtani Nears Return

Right fielder Kyle Tucker is sitting out Sunday's game. He left Saturday's 10-4 victory after a fouled pitch hit his right knee. Roberts called the move precautionary to give Tucker a rest. Tucker has been hot lately, hitting .429 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in his last 10 games.

The Dodgers are also looking forward to getting Shohei Ohtani back. Ohtani is on the 15 day injured list with right biceps inflammation and has also dealt with left knee soreness. It is his first time on the injured list since joining the team in 2024.

Roberts hopes Ohtani can return during the three game series against the San Diego Padres starting Tuesday. Roberts said that while it is still up in the air, he believes Ohtani will be in his best physical shape in a long time when he returns. The team wants to secure a first round bye to avoid the wild card round.

What it means for the next game

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB, Sun, 20 Sep): Los Angeles Dodgers win 59%, San Francisco Giants win 41%; projected score Los Angeles Dodgers 5, San Francisco Giants 4. Our safest pick: Dodgers +1.5.

San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB, Wed, 23 Sep): Los Angeles Dodgers win 53%, San Diego Padres win 47%; projected score Los Angeles Dodgers 5, San Diego Padres 5. Our safest pick: Padres +2.5.