3 Dodgers starting pitchers who will begin 2024 season in Triple-A, 2 who won't

2 Dodgers starting pitchers who will begin 2024 season in the big leagues

Emmet Sheehan

Having been called up just months apart in 2023, Sheehan never had as many expectations hanging over his head as Bobby Miller, a longtime top prospect in the Dodgers system who peaked at No. 2 in 2022, did. Sheehan was initially unranked in the Pipeline, but was called up from Double-A in June and went on to no-hit the Giants for six innings in his debut. While he stumbled a bit over 10 more starts and two relief appearances throughout the rest of the season, ending the year with a 4.92 ERA, he put his best foot forward with his debut and hung on well enough in the major leagues as an unranked prospect scooped up from Double-A.

With the Dodgers' rotation in a certain state of flux without Walker Buehler and Tony Gonsolin, Sheehan seems to have earned a spot on the big league team's Opening Day roster. Although the Dodgers are more than likely to get another starter before then, Sheehan could fit in as the rotation's No. 5 if they don't, and maybe a No. 6 even if they do.

Kyle Hurt

No. 11 prospect and 2023 minor league strikeout leader Kyle Hurt got his major league start on Sept. 12, with a two-inning appearance against the Padres, during which he didn't give up a single hit, didn't give up any walks, and struck out three batters. It was an impressive first showing that caught the attention of the front office, enough for them to at least temporarily bring him back onto the 40-man after the season had ended.

If the Dodgers keep him until Opening Day, he would probably be moved to the bullpen to work in multi-inning relief or as an opener, instead of as a starter. He's still more likely to remain on the roster than Stone, Frasso, or Knack, and the strong showing from his debut may be enough to convince the front office to give him more chances to shine at the major league level.