Emmet Sheehan’s 2026 struggles: velocity questions and a rotation spot in flux

Emmet Sheehan gave up four runs in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 20, 2026, including a two-run home run to Trea Turner. The Los Angeles Dodgers lost that game 10-7. The 26-year-old right-hander has struggled through the 2026 season, with his diminished velocity drawing attention. Sheehan has attributed the drop in speed to an unspecified cause, though he did not elaborate on the reason. Sheehan’s spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation is now considered in flux. The team’s acquisition of Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline has deepened the pitching staff, intensifying competition for a place in the lineup.

Sheehan’s rough July 20 start against the Phillies

Emmet Sheehan’s 2026 season has been a struggle. On July 20 against the Philadelphia Phillies, he gave up four runs in the second inning, including a two-run home run to Trea Turner. The Dodgers lost that game 10-7. Sheehan later said his diminished velocity was due to an unspecified cause. The rough outing was part of an underwhelming season for the young pitcher. By early August, his spot in the Dodgers’ rotation was considered in flux, with competition intensifying after the team acquired Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline. Sheehan’s performance against the Phillies highlighted the questions surrounding his effectiveness.

1. July 20, 2026

   Game vs. Philadelphia Phillies

2. July 26, 2026

   Game vs. New York Mets

3. August 1, 2026

   Rotation status in flux

4. Early August 2026

   Season performance underwhelming

Velocity drop and a crowded rotation

Emmet Sheehan has pointed to a cause for his diminished velocity this season, though the specific reason he cited has not been disclosed. The drop in fastball speed has been a central factor in his underwhelming 2026 campaign, according to Sheehan. That issue now compounds a growing problem: his hold on a rotation spot is no longer certain.

The Dodgers acquired left-hander Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers in a trade deadline deal, according to reports. Skubal adds significant depth to a starting staff that already had more candidates than openings. As of August 1, Sheehan’s place in the rotation was considered in flux. The combination of reduced velocity and increased competition has put the 26-year-old in a precarious position as the Dodgers push toward the postseason.

A better outing against the Mets, but no guarantee

Five days after the Phillies knocked him around, Emmet Sheehan faced the Mets on July 26. According to reports, he pitched five innings, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks, and received a no-decision. Mookie Betts hit two home runs in that game, per the same accounts.

The outing represented an improvement, but it did not secure his position. As of August 1, reports suggest Sheehan’s spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation was considered in flux. The team’s acquisition of Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline had added depth, increasing competition for rotation spots, according to reports. Sheehan’s next start remained uncertain.

Skubal trade raises stakes for Sheehan

The Dodgers’ acquisition of Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline has deepened the starting rotation, according to reports. Skubal’s arrival adds another arm to a group that already includes several candidates for starting roles. That increased competition puts additional pressure on Sheehan, whose spot in the rotation was already considered in flux as of August 1.

Sheehan now faces a narrower path to regular starts. With Skubal in the mix, the Dodgers have more options to cycle through their pitching staff. Sheehan’s underwhelming performance in the 2026 season, marked by diminished velocity, leaves him vulnerable as the team weighs its choices for the rotation down the stretch. Every outing carries greater weight.

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