Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan revealed he will start the year as a starter, per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
“Starting,” Sheehan said when asked about his role in 2026. “I’ll do whatever they want me to do. But right now, I’m a starter.”
Sheehan returned from Tommy John surgery during 2025 and appeared in 15 games, 12 of which started while serving as a bulk pitcher following an opener in the others. He had a 2.82 ERA throughout the season, striking out 89 batters in 73.1 innings pitched, and had a spectacular run towards the tail end of the season.
Through his final six appearances of the season, Sheehan allowed just four runs through 31 innings and established himself as a key piece towards the back end of the rotation.
He shifted to a bullpen role in the postseason along with pitchers like Roki Sasaki and Tyler Glasnow, and pitched 7.1 postseason innings as the Dodgers won the World Series.
Sheehan hasn’t been quite as effective during spring training, posting a 5.91 ERA through three appearances, but should still play a major role in the Dodgers’ season. The right-hander reflected on his development during this year’s spring training following his final preseason start Saturday.
“I think we definitely made a lot of progress,” Sheehan said. “Velo was a little better today. I think stuff was a little better.
“I think it was a couple things, but just timing of how things synced up. So yeah, I think we’re in a better spot now, for sure.”
What Does the Dodgers’ Rotation Look Like to Start 2026?
The Dodgers are still dealing with some injuries heading into next season, but can still put together a solid rotation heading into the start of the year.
Blake Snell is still sidelined as he recovers from shoulder inflammation, but the Dodgers still have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Glasnow and Sheehan to make up for it. The Dodgers are adamant on keeping Sasaki as a starter despite some of his spring struggles as well, so he will likely claim a spot.
Justin Wrobleski also broke camp this year, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said he and Sheehan have a possibility for “piggyback” outings early in the year.
What do you think of the Dodgers’ rotation to start the year?
