Dave Roberts Makes Pitching Decision After 5th Straight Win

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dave Roberts Makes Pitching Decision After 5th Straight Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Sep 8, 2026 2:16 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a decision on Emmet Sheehan after the right-hander delivered one of his best outings of the season. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday that Sheehan will remain in the starting rotation and make his next start Sunday against the Miami Marlins.

Sheehan earned the opportunity after shutting down the Cincinnati Reds in the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory at Dodger Stadium. After allowing a leadoff home run to Elly De La Cruz on his fourth pitch, he retired the next 14 batters he faced.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported Roberts’ decision following the Dodgers’ fifth consecutive victory. Sheehan finished with 10 strikeouts, tying his career high, while allowing one run on three hits and one walk over 5.2 innings.

Dave Roberts said Emmet Sheehan will make another turn through the rotation. Lined up for Sunday in Miami.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 8, 2026

The performance came at an important time for Los Angeles, which has dealt with injuries and uncertainty throughout its pitching staff. Sheehan had initially been viewed as a temporary option, but his latest outing appears to have changed that thinking.

The 26-year-old has endured an inconsistent 2026 season, entering Monday with a 5-8 record and 5.08 ERA across 21 starts. However, his ability to generate strikeouts has remained a significant part of his appeal.

Roberts has also praised Sheehan’s fastball, calling it one of the top two in the organization. Keeping him in the rotation gives the Dodgers another high-strikeout option as they prepare for the postseason.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30)Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The decision becomes even more important with Shohei Ohtani no longer expected to pitch again this season. Ohtani returned to the lineup Monday as a designated hitter but will focus on hitting while dealing with several lingering injuries.

The Dodgers improved to 89-56 with Monday’s win and remain atop the National League West. Sheehan’s emergence gives them another piece to work with as they try to stabilize the rotation before October.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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