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Dodgers Facing Starting Rotation Battle at Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 7:32 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers by a final score of 4-3 in their spring training game on Monday. While there were a number of positives to take away from the contest, it is worth noting that starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan -- who is competing for a spot in the rotation -- did not have his best stuff.

Sheehan turned in 2 1/3 innings of work. While he was able to escape with allowing only one earned run, Sheehan gave up two hits and three walks in an overall underwhelming performance. He added two strikeouts.

With Blake Snell unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, the Dodgers have starting rotation questions at the moment. Pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow have guaranteed spots in the rotation. Sheehan's spot is far from set, however.

Roki Sasaki, Gavin Stone, Justin Wrobleski and River Ryan are among the other potential rotation candidates. There is a clear starting rotation battle brewing at Dodgers' spring training camp. Even with a potential six-man rotation, there will be pitchers who end up getting left out.

Emmet Sheehan's Outlook With Dodgers

Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) speak in a press conference before game four of the 2025 MLB World SeriesKirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sheehan still features a high ceiling. LA is not going to overreact to one lackluster start. The 26-year-old is coming off of a 2025 campaign that saw him turn in a strong 2.82 ERA across 15 total outings (12 starts). For his big league career, Sheehan has pitched in 28 games, recording a 3.77 ERA during that span.

Sheehan is being built up as a starting pitcher. If he does not make the Opening Day roster, it remains to be seen if LA will demote him to Triple-A or move him to the bullpen. The hope for the Dodgers is that Sheehan performs well enough to earn a starting spot. Of the pitchers who have yet to clinch a rotation role, Sasaki and Sheehan arguably feature the highest ceilings.

One has to imagine that Sheehan still has a respectable chance of opening the season on the starting pitching staff. If he continues to struggle over his next couple of spring training starts, however, the Dodgers will end up having an especially challenging decision to make.

The Dodgers' starting rotation battle is heating up at spring training to say the least. Which pitchers do you expect to earn roles in the back of Los Angeles' rotation?

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

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