Emmet Sheehan Recalled, Jack Little Optioned

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Emmet Sheehan and optioned Jack Little to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros.

Sheehan is back with the team to start the series finale in what’s going to be his second outing of the year for the Dodgers. The right-hander impressed in his 2025 debut but was sent back to the Minors the following day, coincidentally as a corresponding move to Little joining the roster for his MLB debut.

Sheehan wound up making two starts for Oklahoma City prior to rejoining the Dodgers. He was dominant in the June 6 start, firing six perfect innings and collecting 13 strikeouts.

However, he struggled some on July 1, and only pitched 2.1 innings.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had indicated over the past week that Sheehan was likely to get recalled for a start against the Astros. He didn’t officially confirm that was the plan until Saturday.

Now back with the Dodgers, Sheehan is effectively taking the place of Ben Casparius in the rotation. Sheehan held the San Diego Padres to one run and collected six strikeouts over four innings in his first start of the season.

Meanwhile, Little is back with the Comets after again spending only one day up with the Dodgers. He retired the side in order in the ninth inning of Saturday’s loss to the Astros.

Why did Dodgers option Emmet Sheehan?

Given how well he pitched and their need in the starting rotation, it was somewhat of a surprise the Dodgers quickly optioned Sheehan to Triple-A.

“It was more of deciding, essentially, between Wrobo and Emmett. You’re talking about going into Denver, altitude, and just making sure the ‘pen is in a good spot, protecting your downside,” Roberts explained last month.

“Wrobo has a lot more innings and pitches available, versus a guy who’s got one outing coming back from a rehab outing. And then potentially to take the Sunday on a shorter rest, which Emmett hasn’t done. So I think that in totality, it was the prudent thing to do. But Emmett will be back soon.”

Sheehan had only made four starts on a rehab assignment before getting activated off the 60-day injured list.