In the competitive fantasy baseball market for 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Emmett Sheehan are drawing similar attention, both sharing a near-identical average draft position (ADP) early this March. However, concerns surrounding Tyler Glasnow injury concerns and performance consistency are steering some fantasy managers to reconsider which arm offers more value for their team.
Tyler Glasnow’s Performance and Health Challenges
Since joining the Dodgers, Tyler Glasnow has accumulated a 13-9 record with a 3.37 ERA and a WHIP of 1.007 over 224.1 innings, striking out 274 batters in that span. Despite these solid numbers, his recent campaigns have been marred by significant injuries, including a sprained right elbow that prematurely ended his 2024 season and back problems last July. Furthermore, a right shoulder injury sidelined him for two full months in 2025 on the 60-day injured list.
When analyzing Glasnow’s splits, his effectiveness at home has stood out — boasting a 2.77 ERA, 0.924 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts across 61.2 innings. Conversely, his road outings revealed struggles, with command issues leading to 23 walks and 26 strikeouts in 28.2 innings, culminating in an elevated 1.465 WHIP. Although his average fastball velocity sits at 95.9 mph, batters have had limited success against his diverse four-pitch mix, reflected by his lowest barrel rate (7.9%) since 2019.
Despite these promising metrics, health remains a critical concern. Glasnow has pitched fewer than 100 innings in five of the last seven seasons. His 2026 projection includes a more attractive price point (NFBC ADP 119), and he ranked 35th among pitchers with a Fantasy Points Game score of 1.79 over 134 innings last year. Still, durability questions linger over his availability throughout the season.
“Tyler Glasnow, 83mph Hammer. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CLtbdjENLu”
– Rob Friedman, Pitching Analyst
Some analysts forecast Glasnow to make approximately 24 starts, expecting him to deliver strong results when healthy, with possible stats such as a 9-5 record, 2.79 ERA, 1.044 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings. However, the risk of spending time on the injured list remains a nearly assured downside.
Emmett Sheehan’s Recovery and Emerging Potential
Emmett Sheehan’s trajectory offers a compelling alternative for fantasy managers. After undergoing hybrid Tommy John surgery with an internal brace in May 2024, he returned to major league action during the last season, combining minor league and MLB appearances to tally a 7-4 record, a 3.10 ERA, 0.957 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts over 93 innings.
Sheehan’s late-season surge was impressive, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.42 ERA and 0.876 WHIP in his final nine outings, striking out 63 in 48.1 innings. This cautious approach, reflected in his average of 4.4 innings per start and limiting pitch counts over 61 pitches in just four starts, highlights the Dodgers’ careful workload management as he recovers fully.
The composition of Sheehan’s pitch arsenal has evolved, with increased reliance on his slider, which holds a .186 batting average against, alongside reduced dependence on his changeup and four-seam fastball. He also incorporated a low-volume curveball, with a fastball averaging 95.7 mph. Looking ahead to 2026, the Dodgers aim to increase his innings to approximately 140, projecting upside potential for double-digit wins, an ERA under 3.00, a favorable WHIP, and over 150 strikeouts.
“Emmet Sheehan, Vicious 88mph Back Foot Slider. 😤 pic.twitter.com/XyIKvjoQWC”
– Rob Friedman, Pitching Analyst
With Blake Snell starting the upcoming season on the injured list and Roki Sasaki’s role diminishing, Sheehan’s ceiling appears higher than initially anticipated. Projected stats envision him earning 10 wins, maintaining a 2.97 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, and racking up 162 strikeouts across 140 innings in 25 starts.
Evaluating the Fantasy Outlook for 2026
The choice between Emmett Sheehan and Tyler Glasnow requires balancing potential and risk. While both pitchers share similar skill sets and NFBC ADP rankings, Sheehan’s managed innings and recovery trajectory present a more stable option for fantasy rosters seeking durability and consistent innings. Glasnow’s flashes of brilliance are counterbalanced by persistent injury concerns, putting his availability late in the season into question.
For fantasy owners weighing these options, Sheehan’s upward trajectory and increased workload projection make him a more reliable foundation for starting pitching in 2026, especially given the uncertainty of Glasnow’s health and road performance inconsistencies. Ultimately, the Dodgers’ depth in starting pitching will continue to shape individual roles, but Sheehan’s promising profile suggests a greater chance to contribute meaningfully throughout the season.
Tyler Glasnow, 83mph Hammer. 🔨 pic.twitter.com/CLtbdjENLu
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 2, 2025
Emmet Sheehan, Vicious 88mph Back Foot Slider. 😤 pic.twitter.com/XyIKvjoQWC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 26, 2025
