Why Dodgers’ Emmet Sheehan stayed in Rockies game after being hit by comebacker

Emmet Sheehan took a 103.8 mph comebacker off his bicep on Monday night and didn’t flinch, at least not enough to leave the mound. The Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander gutted out six innings against the Colorado Rockies in a 5-3 Dodgers victory, and his reasoning for staying in the game was as simple as it was refreshing.

Emmet Sheehan was just struck by an 104 mph combacker to the shoulder. pic.twitter.com/ib6kkNQQDQ

— Adrian Medina (@AdrianMedina_16) May 26, 2026

When asked about the scary moment after the game, Sheehan was characteristically understated. “Yeah it hurt. But no, it wasn’t anything too bad,” he told reporters. But it was his follow-up that said everything about his mentality as a starting pitcher. “That’s your job as a starter to get through as many innings as possible, take a load off the bullpen, and put up zeros.”

"That's your job as a starter to get through as many innings as possible, take a load off the bullpen, and put up zeros."

Emmet Sheehan (6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 8 K, 92 P) talks to the media after the #Dodgers defeat the Rockies, 5-3. pic.twitter.com/RT3a7GWhPJ

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 26, 2026

In an era where pitch counts, innings limits, and load management dominate the conversation around starting pitchers, Sheehan’s blue-collar approach stands out. He wasn’t trying to be a hero, he was simply doing what he believed his job required. That attitude is exactly what a contending Dodgers team needs from its starters as the season heads into its later stages.

Beyond the toughness narrative, Sheehan’s numbers on the night were impressive. He threw six innings, allowing just two earned runs on five hits, walking one and punching out eight batters on 92 pitches. That is a textbook quality start, efficient, dominant at times, and exactly the kind of outing that keeps a bullpen fresh heading into a deep postseason push.

For the Dodgers, Sheehan’s performance is another encouraging sign that their rotation has real depth beyond their marquee arms. With his toughness on full display Monday night, Sheehan is making a strong case that he belongs in any meaningful postseason conversation for Los Angeles. If he keeps putting up performances like this, the Dodgers will be in very good hands.

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