LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have brought right-hander Emmet Sheehan back to the big league roster ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Houston Astros, with left-hander Jack Little being optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.
Sheehan is set to make his second start of the 2025 season for the Dodgers after a strong showing in his debut earlier this year. The 24-year-old held the Padres to one run over four innings while striking out six, but was optioned back to Triple-A the next day as the team shuffled its pitching staff—ironically to make room for Little’s MLB debut.
Since then, Sheehan has made two starts for Oklahoma City. He was electric on June 6, tossing six perfect innings with 13 strikeouts. However, his most recent outing on July 1 was a struggle, as he lasted just 2.1 innings.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had hinted earlier in the week that Sheehan was likely to rejoin the rotation for Sunday’s game against Houston, and he confirmed that plan following Saturday’s contest. Sheehan now steps into the spot previously held by rookie Ben Casparius, who was roughed up in his last start against the Astros on July 4.
Roberts previously explained the team’s decision to send Sheehan down after his strong debut, noting it was about managing the pitching staff’s workload heading into a road trip in Colorado. “It was more about deciding between Wrobo [Justin Wrobleski] and Emmett,” Roberts said last month. “Going into Denver, altitude, and making sure the bullpen was protected. Wrobo had more innings built up and could offer more flexibility than Emmett coming off rehab.”
At the time, Sheehan had only made four minor league rehab starts after being activated from the 60-day injured list, so the Dodgers opted to be cautious.
As for Jack Little, he returns to Oklahoma City after a brief stint with the big club. The right-hander made the most of his lone appearance, retiring the side in order during the ninth inning of Saturday’s loss to the Astros. Things went much smoother than his first outing of the year, when his HBP of Fernando Tatis Jr. almost resulted in a brawl.
With Sheehan now back in the mix, the Dodgers are hoping he can build off his earlier success and help stabilize the back end of a rotation that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.
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