Wednesday night marked the conclusion of a lengthy and emotionally taxing journey back to the major leagues for Emmet Sheehan, and it wasn’t just another game. At Dodger Stadium, 620 days after his last major league pitch, the 25-year-old stood on the mound, took a deep breath, toed the rubber, and resumed his favorite sport.
Back From Tommy John, Emmet Sheehan Soaks Everything In
“It was awesome,” Sheehan said. “Once I was out there, it was back to compete mode. Before and afterwards, you feel the emotions of the past year.”
It wasn’t an easy year. Sheehan was ready for a larger role in 2024 following a strong rookie campaign in 2023, during which he displayed moments of genius and even earned a position on the Dodgers’ postseason squad. Then came the forearm soreness that pitchers fear during spring training. It persisted, and before long, he was having an internal brace and a hybrid Tommy John surgery, starting the arduous process of healing.
On Wednesday, all that pain, frustration, and hard work paid off. Sheehan made his first start of the season, and he looked every bit the pitcher the Dodgers hoped he’d be: four strong innings, just three hits, one earned run, and six strikeouts on 65 pitches in a 4-3 win over the Padres.
“I felt like execution was good,” he said. “Maybe a tick down on the velo… I’ll take that every time.”
“I feel like execution was good.”
Emmet Sheehan (4.0 IP, 3 H, ER, 6 K, 65 P) speaks to the media after making his first start in nearly two years, as the #Dodgers defeat the Padres 4-3 to clinch a series victory. #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/3sxoMyyIFr
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 19, 2025
His return couldn’t have arrived at a more favorable moment for the Dodgers. Due to injuries to their starting rotation, the defending World Series champions are now without Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki. With last-minute call-ups and bullpen games to keep things together, the rotation has been pieced together. Not only does Sheehan symbolize depth, but he also stands for steadiness and promise.
Witnessing a young athlete overcome an injury, emerge from a stressful situation, and flourish has a deeply human quality. Shohei Ohtani, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin are just a few of the Dodgers’ recently returning pitchers who have had to rediscover themselves following significant setbacks, and Sheehan is the youngest at just 25.
For Sheehan, this was a personal milestone rather than just a rehab milestone. It was about showing that he still had it for both himself and the group that had faith in him. The way he smiled as he left the mound was clear.