Los Angeles Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan briefly returned to MLB last week, spending three games with the team but not making an appearance.
The Dodgers first sent Sheehan down to Triple-A Oklahoma City at the trade deadline following their acquisition of All-Star left-hander Tarik Skubal, letting him figure things out in Triple-A for a couple of weeks. They recalled him Aug. 18 after Edwin Diaz’s injury, throwing him into a bullpen role, though he didn’t appear for the team over the course of three days.
After returning to Triple-A on Friday, Sheehan showed his desire to return to the MLB team and stay there. The right-hander threw six scoreless innings for the Comets, allowing just one hit while striking out nine batters. Over his last two starts, the right-hander hasn’t allowed a run through 11.2 innings pitched.
Through his three appearances in Triple-A thus far, Sheehan has a 1.46 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 12.1 innings—much more reflective of his quality.
Why Did the Dodgers Demote Emmet Sheehan in the First Place?
Sheehan, following a successful return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, severely underperformed during his time in MLB this season.
He made 20 starts for the Dodgers this season, posting a 5.29 ERA through 95.1 innings pitched while striking out 108 batters. The right-hander failed to hold his opponents scoreless in any of his 20 MLB starts this season, and allowed four or more runs on seven different occasions—allowing five or more twice in his three most recent starts.
Could Emmet Sheehan Return to the Rotation This Year?
Sheehan definitely took a step in the right direction with his most recent outing in Triple-A, but will need to build a larger body of successful work in the minors if he is to make a return.
If the Dodgers do bring Sheehan back to MLB, though, it isn’t likely he’ll be a starter. The Dodgers’ rotation is currently as strong as it has been all season, and Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow are also on their way back from their injuries to further increase their depth.
Sheehan, if he is to help out at the major-league level again this year, will likely be coming out of the bullpen.
