Los Angeles Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan is tearing up Triple-A, and is likely to make his return to MLB after Eric Lauer landed on the injured list.
Sheehan, 26, spent the majority of the season in the Dodgers’ rotation, but moved to Triple-A after Los Angeles acquired Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline.
Why Should the Dodgers Recall Emmet Sheehan?
Since then, Sheehan has a 1.50 ERA in Triple-A, allowing just one run in his last 17.2 innings of work. His efforts earned him the PCL Pitcher of the Month award on Thursday.
Dodgers starter Eric Lauer landed on the injured list following his start Tuesday, leading to speculation of Sheehan taking his spot when his turn in the rotation comes again against the Washington Nationals over the weekend.
Speaking with the media, including Dodgers Nation’s Ava Brand, on Wednesday, manager Dave Roberts had a brief answer when asked about a potential return for Sheehan.
“That’s a good thought,” Roberts said.
Additionally, he alluded to an eventual roster move to reinforce the starting rotation before Thursday’s series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“We have envisioned it, I’m not sure when we’re ready to announce it, but we’re talking about it,” Roberts said about replacing Lauer in the rotation.
Through 20 starts earlier in the season, Sheehan looked like a shell of the flame-throwing right-hander the Dodgers had in 2025. He had a 5.29 ERA through 95.1 innings pitched with 108 strikeouts and struggled to keep the ball in the park, allowing 20 homers—more than he had in his entire MLB career prior to this season.
Who is Emmet Sheehan’s Competition For the Rotation Spot?
Sheehan isn’t the only pitcher vying for Lauer’s spot in the rotation, as a couple of other pitchers could have their eye on it.
In addition to Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski recently returned from the injured list and all certainly look to take over the spot—though his results in his return outing weren’t very encouraging. He threw two innings out of the bullpen in the Dodgers’ series-opening loss against the Cardinals, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk.
Gavin Stone is working his way back to an MLB return after missing all of 2025 while recovering from shoulder surgery, and is currently on a rehab assignment in Triple-A. Through four starts so far this season, he has a 1.54 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 11.2 innings.
That being said, the Dodgers likely won’t look to him given his extended stint on the injured list.
Sheehan is a clear favorite to win his starting spot back, and will hope to carry his momentum from a strong cameo in Triple-A into the majors.
