Emmet Sheehan entered Spring Training with a promising chance to claim the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ sixth starter position in the Opening Day rotation. However, an early illness set him back, forcing him to catch up behind his peers. Despite this, the right-hander made progress by pitching in relief during the Dodgers’ game against Team Mexico, marking his first appearance of the 2026 Spring Training season.
Reflecting on his outing, Sheehan said,
“I felt good. Body, felt great, delivery felt good. I just think execution was obviously a little bit off. So go back to work this week and try to figure it out,”
on SportsNet LA.
Coming into the game in the fourth inning, Sheehan managed to navigate past a leadoff single but struggled in the fifth. A leadoff walk and subsequent hits led to a run, and after issuing a second walk, he was pulled from the game. He admitted,
“I think I was just doing stuff that I don’t usually do,”
and added,
“Probably focus a little bit more on slider execution, fastball execution. Get back to that.”
Dodgers’ Rotation Challenges Increase Sheehan’s Role
The Dodgers’ pitching depth has been under pressure this spring as Blake Snell works through slow recovery from left shoulder inflammation and Gavin Stone has been sidelined. Roki Sasaki’s performance has also yet to ease concerns about the team’s starting options. In this context, Sheehan’s importance to the rotation is growing as the team navigates these uncertainties.
Sheehan Confident He Can Contribute on Opening Day
With just over three weeks left in Spring Training, Sheehan remains optimistic about his ability to stretch out and claim a rotation spot. When asked if he still sees himself as part of the Opening Day rotation, he affirmed,
“I feel great body-wise. Everything is good. That’s the plan. Absolutely.”
Sheehan is preparing for his first complete season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2024, an operation that sidelined him for the entire previous year. In 2025, his return was impressive, posting a 6-3 record with a 2.82 ERA across 15 games, including 12 starts.
Versatility and Postseason Performance Highlight Sheehan’s Development
Similar to teammates Stone and River Ryan, Sheehan’s full return from surgery is still fresh, and his ability to adapt has been key. Last postseason, he was shifted into a bullpen role, embracing whatever the Dodgers needed. Though he allowed at least one run in four out of six appearances during the playoffs, he finished strong with consecutive scoreless innings in the World Series, showcasing resilience and growth.
What Lies Ahead for Emmet Sheehan and the Dodgers
As Spring Training advances, Sheehan’s progress and health will be critical for the Dodgers’ rotation depth. With injury concerns affecting other pitchers and questions surrounding certain starters like Sasaki, Sheehan has a clear opportunity to solidify his place. His return from Tommy John surgery and demonstrated ability to handle multiple roles could prove essential to the Dodgers’ success this season.
