Emmet Sheehan Ready for New Role with Dodgers in 2026

Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan is getting ready for the 2026 season. He will focus on being healthy and ready to play in different ways for the team. The Dodgers want all their pitchers to be strong and available.
By Newsroom | Baseball, Los Angeles |

The 2026 baseball season presents a pivotal juncture for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan. Following a 2025 season that saw him transition from a starting role to a key bullpen contributor, Sheehan is reportedly focusing on his physical readiness and adapting his approach to meet the team's evolving needs. The Dodgers' broader strategy for 2026 appears to center on pitching health and consistent availability, aiming to secure a historic "three-peat."

Early Season Preparations and Strategic Adjustments

As spring training opens, Sheehan's preparations suggest a mindful approach to his workload and development. Reports indicate he has been actively engaging in bullpen sessions and facing live hitters prior to departing for Tokyo, as mentioned in the context of Shohei Ohtani's preparation. This mirrors the team's emphasis on building pitching durability.

  • Sheehan's winter activities were described as being about "how he moves and feels once the spikes are on," highlighting a focus on physical readiness and on-field performance.

  • He acknowledged that the past year was a "big learning experience," suggesting an ongoing adaptation to the demands of professional baseball.

  • The narrative surrounding Sheehan, like "so many young Dodger pitchers," is that he is "not married to one lane," implying a willingness to adapt his role.

Sheehan's 2025 season demonstrated a clear shift in his utility for the Dodgers. While he began the season with 12 regular-season starts, his contributions extended beyond the traditional starting rotation.

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  • In the postseason, he transitioned from a starting role to a key bullpen arm, a move that seemed to solidify his importance.

  • His performance in September was notably strong, posting a 1.42 ERA in five appearances, finishing the season as "one of LA’s best starters" during that stretch.

  • His effectiveness was attributed to specific pitches, with his slider against right-handers and his changeup noted as key weapons.

  • Upon his return to the team, Sheehan became an "essential source of organizational depth" beyond the primary starting pitchers.

Team-Wide Pitching Philosophy for 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers' approach to the 2026 season appears to be undergirded by a strategic emphasis on pitching health and balanced workloads, particularly in light of Shohei Ohtani's expected contribution without a traditional five-day rest schedule.

  • The guiding principle for the Dodgers' pitching plan is that "availability matters as much as upside."

  • This balance of "rest without regression" is considered key to their pursuit of a historic "three-peat."

  • The acquisition of Edwin Díaz provides a stabilizing force in the bullpen, allowing other pitchers to settle into more predictable responsibilities.

  • The team experienced significant pitching staff injuries at various points in the regular season, underscoring the importance of this new strategy.

Player Profile and Background

Emmet Sheehan, born on November 15, 1999, is a right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He stands at 6' 5" and weighs 220 lbs. His professional journey has included various assignments, such as being optioned to Oklahoma City and sent on rehab assignments.

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| Fact | Detail ||—-|—-|| Player Name | Emmet Sheehan || Team | Los Angeles Dodgers || Position | Pitcher (RHP) || Date of Birth | November 15, 1999 || Height | 6' 5" || Weight | 220 lbs || Primary Pitches | Slider, Changeup |

Conclusion and Forward Look

Emmet Sheehan's trajectory with the Dodgers suggests a player who has undergone a significant role adjustment, moving from a potential starter to a critical bullpen piece. His focus on physical readiness and the Dodgers' overarching strategy emphasizing pitching health indicate a concerted effort to maximize his contributions in 2026. The team's apparent commitment to a workload strategy that prioritizes availability, coupled with Sheehan's demonstrated ability to adapt, positions him as a valuable asset as Los Angeles pursues continued success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Emmet Sheehan's new role for the Dodgers in 2026?
Sheehan will move from starting games to being a key player in the bullpen. He is also focusing on being physically ready to play.
Q: Why is the team changing its strategy for pitchers?
The Dodgers want their pitchers to be healthy and always ready to play. This helps them try to win the championship again.
Q: What does the team think about pitcher availability?
The team believes that being able to play is as important as being a good player. They want to balance rest with staying in good shape.
Q: How did Sheehan do last season?
Last year, Sheehan started some games but also pitched well in the bullpen, especially in September. He learned a lot about playing professionally.