Emmet Sheehan Optioned, Jack Little Called Up

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Jack Little from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned Emmet Sheehan prior to their series finale against the San Diego Padres.

Tony Gonsolin was transferred to the 60-day injured list in order to make room for Little on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, which remains full. There was an open spot but that was filled Wednesday when the Dodgers activated Sheehan off the 60-day injured list for his 2025 debut.

The right-hander proceeded to pitch four innings while allowing just one run. In an extension of what was seen during a short rehab assignment, Sheehan collected six strikeouts without issuing a walk.

“I don’t really know, but I’m definitely happy with it,” answered Sheehan when asked about having good command this quickly after returning from Tommy John surgery. “I think it just comes from work being put in. All the mound work before, throwing multiple ‘pens before even facing hitters.”

Although Sheehan is heading back to the Minors immediately after his first start of the season, he figures to play a prominent role for the Dodgers moving forward. The roster decision likely stems from wanting to manage Sheehan’s innings for the year and the Dodgers needing a fresh arm in their bullpen.

But by sending Sheehan down, the team would appear to be short on starting pitchers heading into their road trip next week. Though, an off day Monday could help navigate what will be a stretch of six consecutive games.

Jack Little on Dodgers roster

This marks Little’s first time joining the Dodgers since he was drafted by the team in the fifth round in 2019. That nearly became the case last weekend, when Little was added onto the taxi squad.

The 27-year-old has gone 3-2 with 10 saves, a 2.20 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 26 games for the Comets this season. Little pitched in 29 games at the Triple-A level last year as well, but wasn’t as successful.

Little becomes the fifth player from the Dodgers’ 2019 draft class to reach the Majors, following Michael Busch (first round), Ryan Pepiot (third), Nick Robertson (seventh) and Jonny DeLuca (25th). Of that group, only Little remains part of the Dodgers organization.

Kody Hoese (first), Ryan Ward (eighth) and Logan Boyer (11th) are the only other members of the Dodgers’ 2019 draft picks who are still with the franchise.