Emmet Sheehan Earns Starting Role for Dodgers to Open 2026 Season

Young pitcher impresses in 2025, earns spot in rotation with Snell injury

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a strong 2025 season and solid spring training, Emmet Sheehan has been told he will be part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting rotation to open the 2026 MLB season. This comes as a result of an injury to veteran starter Blake Snell, which has opened up an additional spot in the Dodgers' pitching staff.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are perennial World Series contenders, and their ability to develop young talent like Sheehan is a key reason for their sustained success. Sheehan earning a starting role out of spring training demonstrates the depth of the Dodgers' pitching staff and their commitment to giving opportunities to homegrown players.

The details

Sheehan started 12 of the 15 games he appeared in for the Dodgers last season, and his strong performance has now earned him a spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 campaign. With Snell sidelined for at least a few weeks due to a shoulder injury, the Dodgers had an open spot in their rotation, which Sheehan has now secured.

  • Sheehan started 12 of 15 games for the Dodgers in the 2025 season.
  • Snell will miss at least a few weeks to start the 2026 season due to a shoulder injury.
  • Sheehan has been told he will be a starter for the Dodgers to open the 2026 season.

The players

Emmet Sheehan

A young pitcher who has impressed the Dodgers with his performance, earning a spot in the starting rotation to open the 2026 season.

Blake Snell

A veteran starting pitcher for the Dodgers who will miss the start of the 2026 season due to a shoulder injury.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The Dodgers' Opening Day starter for the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Not that it should register as much of a surprise, but Emmet Sheehan said he's been told he will be a starter to open the year.”

— Fabian Ardaya, Reporter, The Athletic

What’s next

The Dodgers will determine which day Sheehan will make his first start of the 2026 season as they finalize their Opening Day roster.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ability to develop young pitching talent like Emmet Sheehan is a key reason for their sustained success as a perennial World Series contender. Sheehan's emergence as a starter is a testament to the team's player development program and their commitment to giving opportunities to homegrown players.