The Los Angeles Dodgers' fifth starter slot just came more into focus with right-hander Emmet Sheehan starting the season on the injured list, manager Dave Roberts announced Saturday.
Sheehan had been experiencing shoulder soreness earlier this spring.
He took a week off after arriving to camp with reported body soreness then was shut down again with shoulder discomfort. He has not appeared in a Cactus League game this spring.
The Dodgers also saw reliever Blake Treinen injured on Saturday two batters into his appearance after taking a line drive to the right rib cage. He dropped to the mound and rolled around in pain but walked off the field without help.
The ball ricocheted off Treinen to first baseman Freddie Freeman, who retired Huff. Roberts said Treinen would undergo further testing Sunday after getting X-rays.
With Sheehan expected to be in the running for a starting spot, the Dodgers could pivot to right-hander Gavin Stone or left-hander Ryan Yarbrough for that role. The Dodgers start the season March 20-21 in South Korea against the San Diego Padres but do not need a fifth starter until April 1.
Sheehan, 24, made his major league debut on June 16 last season, when he didn't give up a hit in six innings against the San Francisco Giants. He went 4-1 with a 4.92 ERA in 13 appearances (11 starts).
Field Level Media and The Associated Press contributed to this story.