The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff just got a boost. On Wednesday, the club officially activated right-hander Emmet Sheehan from the 60-day injured list, marking his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. Sheehan is scheduled to start against the division rival San Diego Padres, wrapping up a key four-game series at Dodger Stadium.
Sheehan, 25, last pitched in Game 1 of the 2023 NLDS. Prior to surgery, he showed flashes of promise, striking out 64 batters in just over 60 innings while flashing a 95.4 mph fastball—good for the 75th percentile among MLB pitchers. In his rookie season, Sheehan posted a 4.92 ERA but impressed with a 29.6% whiff rate and strong minor league track record.
Dodgers Activate Emmet Sheehan, Set for Season Debut vs. Padres

Support LAFB’s Cause To End Fall Weddings
Now healthy, he rejoins a rotation already featuring stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Clayton Kershaw. But with Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki still working their way back from injury, Sheehan has a real opportunity to carve out a role—whether as a starter or postseason bullpen weapon.
Manager Dave Roberts said he’s confident in Sheehan’s readiness. “He’s worked hard to get back here,” Roberts noted, adding that the righty will also pitch early next week in Colorado.
The Dodgers optioned Matt Sauer to Triple-A to make room for Sheehan, whose return could help keep the team on track in their pursuit of a repeat title. As the reigning World Series champions, the Dodgers have emphasized avoiding a “championship hangover.” With Sheehan’s return, that mindset—and their rotation depth—just got stronger.
If Sheehan performs well, his place in the rotation could extend even beyond the injury cover, adding another layer of firepower to one of baseball’s most talented pitching staffs.