Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed Emmet Sheehan's recent inconsistency at a press conference on June 28, 2026, citing both mechanical and mental factors as contributors to Sheehan's struggles.
Roberts expressed concern about Sheehan's recent outings, stating that "it's been a while since he's put together a good quality outing from start to finish," pointing to unwarranted walks and possible focus lapses as contributing issues. He dismissed velocity as the root cause, noting that Sheehan's fastball at 94–95 mph with life is sufficient. "When you have his fastball with the characteristics, the life at 94–95, that's plenty of velocity," Roberts said. Sheehan had a good bullpen session before the start and felt good heading into the game.
Roberts framed the June 28 start against San Diego as a deliberate confidence-building opportunity, adding that Sheehan has plenty of leash given the team's belief in him and the absence of a viable rotation alternative. He also emphasized the value of working through struggles at the major league level, stating there is "no better tell on where you're at as a pitcher" than facing big league hitters. On the opposing side, Roberts described Michael King as a difficult matchup who works the edges with heavy movement and has given the Dodgers trouble.
Roberts also praised Freddy Freeman's physical condition, noting that Freeman is moving as well as he has in three years, both on the bases and defensively, after years of ankle, knee, and back issues. On a lighter note, Roberts mentioned that Kyle, who has been grinding and hitting in a cage after games, hit a home run the previous night and was seen smiling, which Roberts described as a rare sight.
Roberts acknowledged he is approaching 1,000 managerial wins, calling it "bananas to even think about," and noted that his first win came at Petco Park in 2016—a 15–0 shutout with Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Looking ahead, Roberts stated the rotation will stay on turn for the next series, with Eric scheduled to start.