Emmet Sheehan’s return lasts under 48 hours as Dodgers DFA pitcher

Less than 48 hours after recalling Emmet Sheehan, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned the right-hander back to Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team recalled Paul Gervase in the corresponding move, giving Los Angeles another fresh bullpen arm.

Sheehan had been recalled Tuesday for bullpen coverage after Edwin Diaz was placed on the 15-day injured list with neck inflammation. However, he did not appear in either of the two games he was active for. His most recent outing came with Oklahoma City on Aug. 12, when he struck out eight and allowed no runs across 5 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers originally demoted Sheehan on Aug. 3 amid continued mechanical inconsistency. He is 4-8 with a 5.29 ERA, 4.75 FIP and 1.29 WHIP across 95 1/3 innings and 20 starts for Los Angeles this season. He has also surrendered 20 home runs while recording 108 strikeouts.

Sheehan’s recent minor-league work had provided some encouragement. Across his two outings for Oklahoma City, he allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings for a 2.84 ERA. His first appearance lasted only 22 pitches and two outs as part of a planned shortened outing, while his Aug. 12 performance lasted 5 2/3 scoreless innings.

Gervase now returns to Los Angeles for his fourth stint with the Dodgers this season. He has appeared in four games for the team, allowing two runs over 7 2/3 innings while recording eight strikeouts and five walks. His 2.35 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in those appearances give him another opportunity to help a bullpen that has recently been heavily used.

With Oklahoma City, the 26-year-old right-hander owns a 4.86 ERA, 46 strikeouts and 31 walks across 37 innings in 31 games, including three saves.

Los Angeles used 17 different pitchers during a 13-day stretch that ended Wednesday, with Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and Tanner Scott each appearing seven times. Gervase had pitched only twice in Oklahoma City over the previous 11 days, making him a fresh option as the Dodgers begin their weekend series against the Pirates.

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