Emmet Sheehan earned the final spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day starting rotation despite struggling for the better part of the Spring Training.
Sheehan was delayed at the start of camp because of an illness, and then battled with command and velocity issues in three Cactus League appearances. The right-hander downplayed the notion that he was nursing an injury and said his woes were related to mechanics.
Sheehan made his 2026 debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks last week and turned in an inconsistent start, giving up four runs on five hits over 3.1 innings of work. He recorded six strikeouts against two walks and allowed a home run on 83 pitches (51 strikes).
The 26-year-old’s average fastball velocity continued to be an area of concern as it was down nearly two mph from last season. Realizing that the pitch wasn’t ineffective, Sheehan relied heavily on his changeup against the Diamondbacks.
While the start raised some red flags, Sheehan believes he is close to getting back to his previous form.
“I think so,” Sheehan said. “We’re working really hard. I think we’re making progress every week and I think we’re pretty close to getting to where it should be.”
Sheehan noted that he is working with Dodgers pitching coaches to get his body and delivery in sync.
“I think just the timing of certain things right now isn’t where it should be and where it’s been in the past,” Sheehan said. “The coaches are doing a great job of breaking it all down for me and giving me drills and stuff like that to get back.”
As for the possibility that a health factor might be impacting his velocity, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has maintained Sheehan is yet to share news of any physical ailment.
Sheehan is in his first full season removed from Tommy John surgery after returning to the mound last summer. He went 6-3 with a 2.82 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 10.9 strikeouts per nine in 73.1 innings across 15 games (12 starts).
Emmet Sheehan’s next start
Sheehan will likely make his next start when the Dodgers begin a three-game series against the Washington Nationals on Friday as part of their first road trip of the regular season.
Sheehan is looking for improved results against a Nationals team that has been one of the better offensive teams through the first week of play.
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