The revolving door of pitchers for the Los Angeles Dodgers continued Monday, with Emmet Sheehan optioned and Paul Gervase called up to the bullpen, reports Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic .
The news for Sheehan is surely frustrating, as he had a solid outing in his start on Sunday.
Sep 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Against the Miami Marlins , Sheehan threw six scoreless innings in which he gave up only two hits and one walk against five strikeouts.
It was his second straight solid outing for the Dodgers after he had been sent down to Triple-A, as he previously gave up just one earned run while striking out 10 batters over 5.2 innings against the Cincinnati Reds .
Unfortunately, the win on Sunday wasn't to be his, as Edgardo Henriquez and Tanner Scott combined to allow six runs in the eighth and ninth innings, turning what had been a 3-0 lead after seven innings into a 6-4 walk off loss .
The Dodgers may be losing a starting pitcher in Sheehan, but they're adding a bullpen arm in Gervase.
The 6-foot-10 righty will now get a chance to show he belongs at the big-league level, especially considering all the tumult that has plagued the bullpen.
The closer position in particular is vulnerable, as star closer Edwin Diaz is still in the minors working to return from injury and is struggling while doing so.
Manager Dave Roberts noted to Ardaya that for Diaz, "it hasn't been good" in the minors.
"Roberts left the door open that Díaz isn't on the postseason roster if his performance doesn't improve," Roberts said.
Scott and Henriquez had been the top two contenders for the closer role, but they've both had some outings turn into struggles, even before Sunday night.
May 22, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Paul Gervase (65) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Gervase has only played in four games for the Dodgers this season, but in his time in the big leagues, he has an ERA of 2.35 and eight strikeouts over his 7.2 innings of work.
Where he struggles is with traffic, as his WHIP is 1.565 this season.
If he can cut down on the walks — he has had at least one in all four of his games — he has a chance to build some trust and perhaps earn himself a role in the bullpen.
That said, Gervase has already been called up and sent back down twice this season.
We'll see if the third time is the charm.
