Emmet Sheehan’s confounding downturn is making Dodgers’ looming roster decisions easy

Last season, Emmet Sheehan looked like a breakout success story for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This year, things haven't been so rosy. Through May 31, the 26-year-old owned a 4.70 ERA that left a lot to be desired. Since June 1, the wheels have really fallen off, with Sheehan posting a 7.31 ERA so far this month.

His worst outing yet might have been on Father's Day against the Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander managed just 3⅓ innings, allowing eight hits, two homers, three walks, and six earned runs in what would become a 12-1 rout of the Dodgers.

That's led to some speculation that Sheehan's spot in the rotation isn't safe, and that Los Angeles might already have the perfect replacement toiling down in Oklahoma City — River Ryan.

Dodgers should strongly consider River Ryan as an alternative to Emmet Sheehan

There has been a lot of chatter recently about Ryan, with some believing he could be a key pillar of a trade to bring Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers. Others think he should be on LA's untouchable list during trade talks later this summer.

The talented right-hander is finally healthy, and after watching the Dodgers handle him with kid gloves, fans might finally see him make his long awaited return to the big leagues.

Ryan got roughed up during his last start against the San Francisco Giants Triple-A affiliate, but he's been more good than bad down there with a sparkling 5.38 K/BB ratio, and a blazing fastball that's been touching triple digits.

He's earned a shot at the starting rotation, though the Dodgers want to be careful with his innings count following such a long injury layoff. However, the team might not have the luxury of waiting too long thanks in part to Sheehan's struggles and injuries to Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.

The Dodgers can replace Sheehan with Ryan now in order to maintain their commanding NL West lead. Then, once Snell and/or Glasnow return, Ryan could be moved to the bullpen in order to limit his innings.

Ryan's turned a lot of heads this season, and this type of strategy would help the Dodgers now, while also setting up a plan for the postseason. Promoting him now could solve a major issue, and give Ryan a "best of both worlds" scenario.

Meanwhile, a return to the minors would allow Sheehan to harness the electric stuff that made him look like an impact starter last year. It's becoming clear, after his shocking downturn, that he needs a reset.

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