Pittsburgh Pirates Claim Jack Little Off Waivers From Dodgers

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Jack Little off waivers two days after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Pirates optioned Little to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Little is now part of only the second different organization since beginning his professional career. Little was drafted by the Dodgers out of the University of Stanford in the fifth round in 2019.

The right-hander made his MLB debut earlier this season, which wound being an eventful night against the San Diego Padres. Little inadvertently hit Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch, prompting benches to clear in an exchange that eventually led to multiple suspensions.

Little was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City the following afternoon and rejoined the Dodgers on July 5, only to again spend just one day with the team.

During his two appearances with the Dodgers, the 27-year-old allowed two runs on four hits across three innings. While with the Comets this season, Little was 5-4 with a 4.64 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 36 appearances.

Little was first promoted to the Triple-A level in June 2024. He’s amassed a 23.3% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate since that time.

Why did Dodgers DFA Jack Little?

Little was designated by assignment on Monday as the corresponding move to the Dodgers claiming Luken Baker off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Baker reported to Oklahoma City and figures to be organizational depth for the Dodgers.

The 28-year-old hit .235/.366/.324 with two RBI and three runs scored in 19 games with the Cardinals this season. Baker has played 73 games for the Cardinals from 2023-2025, batting .206/.317/.338 with four homers, 22 RBI and 15 runs scored.

Baker was drafted by the Cardinals with the 75th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. Baker made his MLB debut on June 3, 2023.