Image Source: The Boston Globe
Emmet Sheehan will take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Boston Red Sox as the clubs close their weekend series Sunday night. The Dodgers are seeking a sweep, while Boston will try to finish a challenging road trip with another strong performance against one of baseball’s top teams.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. at Dodger Stadium. The game will be televised on NBC and Peacock, with radio coverage available on WEEI-FM 93.7. Sheehan is scheduled to face left-hander Jake Bennett, who will make his 12th career start for Boston.
Emmet Sheehan Looks to Continue His Late-Season Revival
Sheehan enters the matchup with a 4-7 record and a 4.95 earned-run average. While those season-long numbers have been uneven, the right-hander has shown encouraging improvement recently. He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts, giving the Dodgers a more reliable option as they navigate the second half of the season.
That recent stretch has helped change the conversation around Sheehan. The Dodgers have needed dependable innings from their rotation, especially with the pressure that comes from competing as the defending back-to-back World Series champions. A steady outing Sunday could further strengthen his position and provide Los Angeles with valuable momentum heading into its next series.
Sheehan has faced the Red Sox once in his career, according to the game notes reported by The Boston Globe. In that start, he earned a 5-2 victory on July 25, 2015. Boston’s current lineup, however, presents a different challenge, with several dangerous hitters capable of changing a game quickly.
Powerful Red Sox Offense Faces a Critical Test
Boston enters the finale at 59-51 and has received a major spark from Ceddanne Rafaela. The young outfielder hit two home runs in Saturday’s 3-2 Red Sox victory and has homered three times in four at-bats across the past two games.
“He’s otherworldly right now,” interim manager Chad Tracy said of Rafaela. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs.”
Rafaela’s production has arrived at an important time for Boston. The Red Sox have been trying to collect wins against elite opposition, and his timely power has helped them stay competitive in a tightly contested season. He is listed to bat second and play center field Sunday.
Rafaela offered a measured response when asked about Los Angeles adding Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline. The Dodgers acquired Skubal from the Detroit Tigers in a deal involving Zyhir Hope and right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith. Skubal, a two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, gives Los Angeles another dominant arm.
“I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.”
Dodgers Lineup Brings Star Power
Los Angeles carries a 69-42 record into the game and will send a deep lineup against Bennett. Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter, followed by Andy Pages, Tommy Edman, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker, Kiké Hernández, Max Muncy, and catcher Dalton Rushing.
The Dodgers’ bullpen also received adjustments before the finale. Right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment, while right-hander Will Klein was placed on the injured list with an elbow issue.
Boston’s lineup includes Wilyer Abreu, Rafaela, Willson Contreras, Masataka Yoshida, Caleb Durbin, Nick Sogard, David Hamilton, Jarren Duran, and catcher Narváez. Contreras is expected to return after sitting out Saturday as a precaution following a fastball to his helmet Friday.
What to Watch in Sunday’s Matchup
- Sheehan’s command: His recent run of allowing limited earned runs will be tested by Boston’s aggressive lineup.
- Rafaela’s power: The Red Sox center fielder has become one of the weekend’s biggest offensive stories.
- Bennett’s response: His five-start winning streak ended in his previous outing, making Sunday an opportunity to rebound.
- Late-inning pressure: Los Angeles’ bullpen changes could shape the final innings of a close contest.
For the Red Sox, a series sweep would provide a significant boost. For the Dodgers, another victory would reinforce their standing as one of the National League’s most complete clubs. Sheehan’s performance could be central to that outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starting for the Dodgers?
Emmet Sheehan is scheduled to start for Los Angeles. He enters with a 4-7 record and a 4.95 ERA.
Who will pitch for the Red Sox?
Jake Bennett is scheduled to start for Boston. He owns a 6-4 record and a 2.74 ERA.
When is the Red Sox-Dodgers game?
First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
How has Sheehan performed recently?
Sheehan has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts, suggesting an improvement from his season-long numbers.
Who has been Boston’s hottest hitter?
Ceddanne Rafaela has hit three home runs in his past four at-bats across the last two games.
