Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone is facing shoulder issues again. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned this to the press, including Jack Harris of The California Post and Sonja Chen of MLB.com. Unfortunately, it looks like he won’t be ready for the start of the season.
This is worrisome, especially since Stone had surgery on that same shoulder last year. The surgery was major, involving repairs to his labrum, capsule, and rotator cuff. He went under the knife in October 2024, leading to him being out for the entire 2025 season.
At 27, Stone had high hopes for this season. He showed promise in Spring Training, starting with a perfect inning and recording two strikeouts. However, after throwing in the bullpen, his shoulder flared up again. Thankfully, there are no structural issues reported, but given his history, it’s wise to take precautions.
Before the injury, Stone’s performance was solid. In 2024, he had a 3.53 earned run average over 140 1/3 innings. He had a strikeout rate of 20%, which is just below the average, but he did a great job limiting walks and hard hits.
The Dodgers plan to use a six-man rotation this season. Stone may have secured a spot had he stayed healthy. Meanwhile, teammate Blake Snell is dealing with his own problems and may also find himself on the injured list.
Top spots in the rotation would likely go to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki. Ohtani isn’t participating in the World Baseball Classic, and his pitch count could be limited when he returns. Emmet Sheehan is recovering from illness but should be ready for Opening Day.
With Stone’s status in limbo, just one rotation spot is left open. River Ryan is back from Tommy John surgery and looks healthy. Lefty Justin Wrobleski might either be a starter or work from the bullpen. Landon Knack is still on the roster, though he has struggled in Spring Training. Veteran Cole Irvin is also in camp, aiming to make the team as a non-roster invitee.
Right-hander Kyle Hurt isn’t in the rotation mix. Roberts sees him more as a multi-inning reliever. After missing last season due to Tommy John surgery, Hurt has looked sharp in camp, striking out six of 11 batters in three innings. He’s fighting for a spot in the bullpen.
In the world of sports, injuries can be a huge setback. They not only affect players but also the team’s future. Staying informed about player health and team strategies is essential for fans wanting to understand how the season might unfold.
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