Dodgers Receive Massive Boost as Emmet Sheehan Impresses in First Rehab Start, Signaling Key Return to Los Angeles Rotation

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the most resilient teams in Major League Baseball this season, battling injuries across their pitching staff while maintaining their place as one of the sport’s elite franchises. On a roster built around championship expectations, every return from injury matters—and few updates have brought more optimism than the latest on Emmet Sheehan.

The hard-throwing right-hander, who has been sidelined all season due to forearm inflammation, made his long-awaited first rehab start over the weekend, and by all accounts, it was a significant success. His outing not only signaled progress but reinforced why the Dodgers have been so patient with his recovery.

Sheehan, who made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2023, quickly showed flashes of brilliance with a fastball-heavy arsenal and advanced poise beyond his years. While inconsistency and injury interruptions limited his impact last season, the 24-year-old remained a critical part of the team’s long-term pitching plans. That vision is now back in motion following what many described as a “really impressive” showing during his rehab assignment.

Pitching for the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Sheehan worked two innings, allowing no hits, no walks, and striking out three. More importantly, his velocity was where the Dodgers wanted it, sitting comfortably in the mid-to-upper 90s, topping out near 98 mph—a clear indicator that his arm strength is returning to form.

For a Dodgers club that has faced its share of injury adversity, Sheehan’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The pitching staff has weathered significant absences from the likes of Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and now Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Though the front office has pieced together a competitive rotation through depth and strategic call-ups, the Dodgers know that postseason success will hinge on the availability of high-upside arms like Sheehan.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, speaking after Sheehan’s rehab start, made no effort to conceal his excitement. “It’s exactly what we hoped to see from Emmet,” Roberts said. “He attacked the zone, his fastball life was there, and he looked confident. For a guy who hasn’t been in live competition for a while, that was a really impressive first step.”

Sheehan’s smooth outing also helps calm concerns that his forearm inflammation might have been a precursor to something more serious, like a UCL injury—a nightmare scenario that has become all too common across MLB in recent years. The Dodgers opted for a cautious rehabilitation approach, keeping Sheehan out longer than some expected, prioritizing long-term health over short-term need.

That patience now appears to be paying dividends.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Boston College, Sheehan quickly climbed the minor league ranks thanks to his electric fastball, advanced command, and developing secondary pitches. His breakout came during the 2022 and 2023 seasons when he struck out batters at an elite rate across Double-A and Triple-A, forcing the Dodgers’ hand for a big-league opportunity.

In 2023, Sheehan posted a 4.92 ERA in 60.1 innings with the Dodgers, but the raw numbers don’t tell the full story. His ability to generate swings and misses, particularly with his high-riding fastball, turned heads, while his struggles largely stemmed from adjusting to the major league environment and sporadic usage. The Dodgers saw enough to believe that with development and health, Sheehan could anchor a rotation spot.

That belief was evident in how they managed his rehab process. The organization’s medical staff took every precaution, gradually ramping up Sheehan’s throwing program, emphasizing not only his velocity but also his durability and mechanics. His performance with Rancho Cucamonga represents the final stages of that recovery.

While it remains uncertain exactly when Sheehan will rejoin the Dodgers’ major league roster, the expectation is that he’ll continue building up innings over his next few rehab starts. The Dodgers will likely increase his workload gradually, testing his ability to sustain velocity and execute secondary pitches under game conditions.

But make no mistake—the team views his return as inevitable, not speculative.

Sheehan’s resurgence is also critical given the Dodgers’ broader rotation picture. Walker Buehler, still working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has experienced ups and downs in his return. Clayton Kershaw, recovering from shoulder surgery, is targeting a potential second-half comeback but remains without a firm timetable. Dustin May remains shelved following his own injury setbacks, and Yamamoto, the prized free-agent acquisition, landed on the injured list with a rotator cuff issue.

All of this leaves the Dodgers relying heavily on the likes of Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, Bobby Miller (when healthy), and young arms like Landon Knack to carry the load. Sheehan’s return adds another dynamic element to that group, providing both depth and upside.

Beyond the rotation implications, Sheehan’s success is a morale boost for a Dodgers clubhouse that has had to remain adaptable. Veterans like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy continue to carry the offense, but the pitching staff’s health will ultimately dictate how far the team can go in October. The organization’s depth has kept them atop the National League West, but championship aspirations require contributions from pitchers like Sheehan.

It’s also worth noting how Sheehan’s return fits into the Dodgers’ long-term vision. With the constant risk of injury and free agency looming for some rotation members, developing homegrown, controllable arms remains a priority. Sheehan embodies that model—a young, talented pitcher with the potential to become a foundational piece.

For now, fans can take solace in the tangible progress. A clean, dominant first rehab outing may seem like a small step, but for a pitcher recovering from forearm concerns, it’s a massive milestone.

The Dodgers will monitor Sheehan closely over his next few outings, likely giving him another start or two in Single-A before potentially progressing to Double-A Tulsa or Triple-A Oklahoma City. Assuming no setbacks, a late July or early August return to the major league roster seems realistic.

In a season defined by managing expectations and injury timelines, Emmet Sheehan’s upward trajectory provides much-needed good news. His combination of velocity, strike-throwing, and competitive edge could be exactly what the Dodgers need to solidify their pitching staff down the stretch.

And for Sheehan, it’s an opportunity to reclaim his place within one of baseball’s most prestigious organizations—a reminder that perseverance, patience, and preparation often lead to the most impressive comebacks.

Dodger Blue faithful have plenty to be excited about. With Emmet Sheehan back on the mound and looking sharp, the rotation reinforcements are arriving—and not a moment too soon.