Dodgers Set for Wild Card Series Showdown Against Reds

LOS ANGELES, California — The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for their Wild Card series against the Cincinnati Reds, starting Tuesday. The team aims to repeat as World Series champions after a strong regular season.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that pitcher Emmet Sheehan will take on a bullpen role in the postseason. Sheehan, who has a solid 2.82 ERA and a 6-3 record this season, last pitched one inning against the Mariners, allowing one hit and striking out three. He is expected to be available for a one-inning stint in the Wild Card series.

“Since we clinched, we’ve been assessing how to align our pitching,” Roberts explained. “The best way to use Emmet is to shorten him up. He’ll be ready to go on Tuesday.”

Sheehan’s shift to the bullpen highlights the depth of the Dodgers’ starting rotation, which features Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani. These players are likely to make up the starting four for the series.

The Dodgers bullpen has faced challenges this season, holding a 4.28 team ERA. With Sheehan added to the mix, there is hope for improved stability in this area. “We need reliable options in the bullpen,” Roberts added. “Emmet has shown he can be effective in high-pressure situations.”

In addition to Sheehan’s role, rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki is expected to contribute from the bullpen as well. Sasaki, who had missed time this season with an injury, has impressed in recent outings, striking out four of the seven batters faced.

Roberts noted that Sasaki has earned a place on the playoff roster based on his performance. “The big games he’s pitched in are something I can rely on,” he said. “He’s earned my trust.”

The Dodgers’ first game of the postseason takes place on October 1, as they look to start their playoff campaign on a high note. Fans are eager to see how the team’s pitching lineup will perform against the Reds.