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Sheehan’s Breakout Season: A Look at His Dominance in 2025
The 2025 season was undeniably a watershed moment for Bobby Miller. He toggled between being a starter and a reliever, and the stuff has developed to the point that if the Dodgers … wait, that’s not right. We’re here to talk about Sheehan, and his 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular. This article dives deep into Sheehan’s incredible breakout, exploring how he transformed from a versatile arm into a legitimate ace candidate for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sheehan’s Emergence: From Bullpen to Baller
For years, Sheehan was a reliable piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen. His high-octane fastball and sharp breaking balls made him a tough out for opposing hitters. However, 2025 saw a significant evolution in his game. The Dodgers, recognizing his potential, began experimenting with his role, and the results were phenomenal.
The Dual Role: Starter and Reliever
Sheehan’s ability to perform at a high level in both starting and relief capacities was a key factor in his success. This flexibility allowed the Dodgers to strategically deploy him throughout the season, keeping hitters off balance and maximizing his impact.
- Early Season Dominance: As a reliever, Sheehan was lights out. His ability to come in during high-leverage situations and shut down opponents was crucial for the team’s early success.
- Transition to Starter: When called upon to start, Sheehan demonstrated remarkable stamina and effectiveness. He showed he could pitch deep into games, consistently giving the Dodgers quality outings.
Analyzing Sheehan’s Improved Pitch Arsenal
What fueled this dramatic improvement? A closer look at his pitch data reveals significant advancements. His fastball velocity saw a consistent uptick, and his secondary pitches became sharper and more deceptive. This development is a testament to his hard work and the Dodgers’ player development.
Key Pitch Developments
Sheehan’s repertoire expanded and improved significantly:
- Fastball Velocity: Averaging 98 mph, his fastball became a true weapon, inducing more swings and misses than ever before.
- Slider Break: The sharp, late break on his slider became nearly unhittable, especially against left-handed hitters.
- Changeup Effectiveness: While not his primary pitch, his changeup gained deception, keeping hitters guessing and preventing them from sitting on his fastball and slider.
The Impact on the Dodgers’ Rotation
Sheehan’s breakout season has significant implications for the Dodgers’ future pitching plans. His performance has put him squarely in the conversation for a permanent spot in the starting rotation. This development is a huge boost for a team always looking to solidify its pitching depth.
What Does This Mean for the Dodgers?
The emergence of Sheehan as a top-tier pitcher offers several advantages:
- Rotation Stability: He provides a reliable arm to anchor the rotation, reducing the pressure on younger or less experienced pitchers.
- Strategic Flexibility: Even if he remains a hybrid pitcher, his elite performance in either role gives the manager invaluable options.
- Trade Value: His improved stock also increases his value should the Dodgers ever consider moving him, though that seems unlikely given his current trajectory.
The 2025 season was Sheehan’s coming-out party. His ability to adapt and excel in different roles, coupled with tangible improvements in his pitching arsenal, has cemented his status as a vital asset for the Dodgers. Whether he settles into a full-time starting role or continues to be a dominant force as a swingman, one thing is clear: Sheehan is here to stay, and his breakout season is just the beginning.
For more insights into player development and pitching analytics, check out FanGraphs. Understanding the nuances of pitch metrics can offer a deeper appreciation for a pitcher’s performance, much like Sheehan’s remarkable 2025 season.
The question now is, can Sheehan continue this elite level of performance? His journey in 2025 suggests he’s more than capable. His breakout season has certainly made him a compelling figure to watch in the coming years.
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Sheehan breakout season 2025 Dodgers starter reliever pitching arsenal player development