The Los Angeles Dodgers have a healthy lead of ten games in the National League West over their rivals the San Diego Padres. Although this season has been a success thus far, there have been challenges. Injuries have remained a constant concern, and there have been several underperforming players. One of whom has been an unexpected surprise, considering his past effectiveness. In short. what is going on with right-hander Emmet Sheehan, and is he at risk of losing his starting rotation spot?
Sheehan’s Rotation Spot Could Be At Risk
Positive Past
Emmet Sheehan’s repertoire is explosive and effective. His variety of pitches as well as their usage lends itself to a number two or three starter in a rotation, but if all went well, may be he could be an ace. Last season, in just over 73 innings, Sheehan accrued an 2.82 Earned Run Average with 89 strikeouts. He looked like a diamond in the rough. The right-hander’s stuff was so impressive that it was catching other people’s attention.
At the Trade Deadline last year, Sheehan was rumored to be on the top of other teams wish list in return for their superstar talent–including but not limited to Tarik Skubal. However, the Dodgers decided to hang on to their young right-hander.
Slow Start
Sheehan earned a spot in the starting rotation out of Spring Training, but he hasn’t been able to replicate last year’s success The decrease in velocity of his fastball has some wondering if he is totally healthy. The right-hander’s heater usually resides around 95 mph and above. However, this year, it’s been clocked around 91 to 94. The Dodgers have insisted that Sheehan is fine. (The young hurler missed all of 2024 with Tommy John surgery). It is hard to believe that Los Angeles would put an arm of his caliber at risk.
But it isn’t just the fastball that’s off. In 2025, opposing hitters were batting just over .100 on his change-up. However, this season, the batting average is up past .260. In addition, walks have also been a problem. Furthermore, he has given up home runs in bunches this year on pitches served over the heart of the plate. Unfortunately, in most of his starts, it been more than one gopher ball. Sheehan has served up twice as many round-trippers this season as last in the same amount of innings. In short, it hasn’t been good.
What Are the Dodgers To Do?
There have been flashes of the familiar dominate starting pitcher, so optimism springs eternal. To their credit the Dodgers have increased patience with their young starters. Just ask Roki Sasaki. However, with Sheehan’s E.R. A. above five, patience has its limits. Manager Dave Roberts said, “We know there’s more in there.” concerning Sheehan (see tweet below). Roberts said that yesterday’s outing was important in terms of execution for the right-hander.
The Reality
The truth is, Los Angeles has to be patient with Sheehan. They don’t have much depth behind him at the moment. Blake Snell is recovering from surgery. Tyler Glasnow has a sore back, and River Ryan just injured a hamstring.
A Promising Start
Emmet Sheehan’s day is done.
5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 Ks, 84 pitches, 36% CSW%.
Dave Roberts said pregame that Sheehan isn’t pitching for his spot on the roster, but said Sheehan needs to be better and more consistent. That was a positive outing.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 28, 2026
Yesterday may be the beginning of an upward trend. Sheehan took the mound against the division rival San Diego Padres in hostile territory. He responded by out-pitching staff ace Michael King. The right-hander went five innings on 84 pitches. He gave up two hits and one earned run (a solo shot). He walked two while striking out five. He pitched around traffic on the bases towards the end of his outing and survived. Thus securing a road series win. It was one of the right-hander’s best starts of the season.
Hopefully it is an outing he can build on going forward.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee- Imagn Images
