LOS ANGELES, CA — On a night when the lights at Dodger Stadium were brighter than usual, Emmet Sheehan — a name that had been forgotten after a long injury layoff — returned and took MLB by surprise.
Playing for the first time since 2023, Sheehan showed the mettle of a veteran: 65 pitches, six strikeouts, no walks, just one run and 10 whiffs — all in four innings. With that performance, it was no surprise that he left the field to a standing ovation from more than 50,000 Dodgers fans.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” an emotional Sheehan said after the game. “Being out there, feeling the energy of the fans, it’s the best thing ever.”
An elbow injury had put Sheehan’s career in doubt. But while many doubted his return, the Dodgers believed, they were patient. And now, they’ve been rewarded.
According to manager Dave Roberts, “Emmet is a big part of our future. Tonight he showed why we’ve always believed in him.”
With the Dodgers suffering from injuries to their pitching unit, Sheehan’s return not only helps fill the void, but also opens up new options in the crunch of the season. With a 97-mph speed and improved ball control, Sheehan could be the new ace in the playoff race.
One fan wrote: “We’ve waited a long time for this. Emmet, you’re the missing piece for the Dodgers!”
In the world of baseball, perseverance rarely gets enough praise. But for Emmet Sheehan, this impressive night was a worthy reward for his never-give-up journey. And if this is just the beginning, the Dodgers have certainly found a diamond in the rough — right in their own lineup.