The Los Angele Dodgers are ready to open their season on the road against the Washington Nationals.
Right-hander Emmet Sheehan will be on the bump today for the Dodgers, hoping to get off to a better start mechanically than his season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Sheehan pitched a total of 3.1 innings against the D-Backs, going just 3.1 innings after allowing five hits, four runs, two walks, and a home run blast.
His stuff, when his body was clicking mechanically, was on point, getting six strikeouts on the night, but he was not at his best.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
According to Dave Roberts, Sheehan is still working himself back from some mechanical issues, but the pitcher is optimistic that things will get better.
“I think so. We’re working really hard. I think we’re making progress every week, and I think we’re pretty close to getting to where it should be,” Sheehan said after his start.
“I think just the timing of certain things right now isn’t where it should be and where it’s been in the past. The coaches are doing a great job of breaking it all down for me and giving me drills and stuff like that to get back.”
Dodgers’ Lineup Against Guardians on Monday
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Kyle Tucker, RF
3. Mookie Betts, SS
4. Freddie Freeman, 1B
5. Will Smith, C
6. Max Muncy, 3B
7. Teoscar Hernandez, LF
8. Andy Pages, CF
9. Alex Freeland, 2B
P. Emmet Sheehan, RHP
The Dodgers are off to a torrid start offensively, ranking in the middle of the pack, but much of their production has come in the latter half of games.
The offense is making some contact on the ball, not totally whiffing out of their skis, but the production when making contact has not been there.
However, batting production tends to come after the first few series for most players, with pitching always getting out to a better start before hitters catch up and get settled in at the plate.
Dave Roberts and the Dodgers hope the team can get going against Washington, using the series loss to the Cleveland Guardians as motivation and a wake-up call.
LA Baseball Report
Get the app for faster news
GET ×