Dodgers Make Surprise Pitching Change Ahead Of Big Padres Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a notable roster move on Thursday, selecting right-hander Jack Little to the major league roster and optioning Emmet Sheehan to Triple-A Oklahoma City. In a corresponding transaction, Tony Gonsolin was transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear space on the 40-man roster.

Little, 27, now joins the big league club for the first time since being drafted in the fifth round out of Stanford in 2019. Known for his steady rise through the minors, Little has been quietly dominant at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, posting a 2.20 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and 10 saves in 11 chances over 26 appearances. He’s recently strung together three straight scoreless outings, including two shutout innings on Tuesday using a fastball in the 92–94 mph range, a sharp slider, and an occasional changeup.

Jack Little Called Up as Dodgers Option Emmet Sheehan to Triple-A

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Though he wasn’t listed among the Dodgers’ Top 30 prospects, Little impressed during spring training, overcoming a rough debut to finish with four nearly perfect outings.

Meanwhile, Sheehan heads back to the minors just one day after making his return from Tommy John surgery. In his first MLB appearance since October 2023, the 25-year-old tossed four solid innings against the Padres, allowing one run on three hits with six strikeouts and no walks. It was a promising performance that suggests his stay in Oklahoma City may be brief.

Sheehan had an internal brace procedure on his elbow in May 2024 and was activated just ahead of Wednesday’s start. In his rookie season in 2023, Sheehan went 4-1 with a 4.92 ERA across 60.1 innings.

With 13 pitchers currently on the injured list, the Dodgers are expected to continue making short-term moves to reinforce a beleaguered staff. Little now gets his long-awaited MLB debut, while Sheehan’s strong return has likely kept him firmly in the team’s long-term plans.

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