Emmet Sheehan Takes Step in Right Direction Despite Dodgers Loss

Los Angeles Dodger starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan had a strong outing Sunday, bouncing back after a rough start last time out.

Sheehan struggled in his first outing following the All-Star break after a strong two starts to begin July, allowing six earned runs through 5.1 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. Sunday looked to be more of the same after Sheehan allowed three hits to the first three batters of the game, but the right-hander locked it down afterwards.

The 26-year-old only allowed those three hits on the day, holding the Mets to one run through five innings, during which he struck out five batters. His pitch count reached 87 after the fifth, and the Dodgers decided to pull him despite his strong showing.

“I thought Emmet did a nice job,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It was getting a little grindy with the pitch count, but the way he came back in innings 3, 4, 5 was fantastic. Where he got to, it was going to be hard for him to get through that next inning, the sixth.

“…As far as Emmet, he put us in a position to win.”

"For what we're trying to do, it's just got to be better." Dave Roberts addresses the media after the #Dodgers 8-3 loss to the Mets in the series finale. pic.twitter.com/3hc09IbJ7X

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 26, 2026

The Dodgers didn’t hang on for the win , though, allowing seven unanswered runs after Sheehan’s departure. Despite the loss, the Dodgers still managed to take the series with their wins on Friday and Saturday.

Jul 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

How Has Emmet Sheehan Performed in 2026?

Sheehan had a decent start to the season, posting a 3.91 ERA in April after an unimpressive start in March, but fell apart in June. He had a 6.00 ERA in June, but capped the month with a solid start against the San Diego Padres, where he allowed just one earned run through five innings.

The right-hander had two solid starts before the All-Star break in July, allowing just three earned runs through 9.2 innings pitched.

On the season, Sheehan has a 4.95 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 92.2 innings pitched, which are both the highest totals he has reached in a singular regular season.

Sheehan’s next start is likely to come against the Boston Red Sox next weekend, and he’ll look to carry the momentum from his strong start Sunday into that outing. LA’s next game comes against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, directly following a rest day on Monday. The first game of that series kicks off at 7:10 p.m. PT.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →