Gavin Stone began the 2023 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City but eventually received a call-up to the Los Angeles Dodgers as injuries mounted in the starting rotation.
The right-hander did not fare too well in his brief time at the Major League level as Stone went 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.90 WHIP over eight games (four starts).
It has since been revealed that Stone dealt with a blister on his foot, which made it difficult to push off the mound. He also had an issue with tipping pitches that he worked to correct during the offseason.
Stone has a new stretch routine and is wearing a bigger glove this season to better aid with concealing his pitch grip, via Noah Furtado of the L.A. Times:
Gavin Stone, considered one of two frontrunners for the Dodgers’ No. 5 rotation spot, got new 12.5-inch gloves today — much bigger than his 12-inch gloves last season.
Said he was tipping pitches all of last season. Hopes bigger glove + adjusted stretch routine helps avoid that.
— Noah Furtado (@_noahfurtado) March 13, 2024
Stone additionally added muscle to better prepare himself for the physical demands of a full season. The adjustments seem to have paid off as he pitched well during Cactus League games and in an exhibition while the Dodgers were in South Korea.
“It’s awesome,” Stone recently said of his success this spring. “It goes back to the work that I put in during the offseason, fine-tuning some stuff, gaining some more control, gaining more confidence, better mound presence.
“You tie all that together and hopefully it’s a good recipe and hopefully we can ride it all year long.”
Gavin Stone ‘incredibly thankful’ to be named Dodgers’ fifth starter
Stone beat out the likes of Landon Knack, Kyle Hurt, Grove and Ryan Yarbrough to take the final spot in the Dodgers’ Opening Day starting rotation. The opportunity was created due to Walker Buehler being delayed as he works his way back from a second Tommy John surgery.
“I’m incredibly thankful for that and the opportunity that they’re giving me. Very appreciative. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of it,” Stone said earlier this month.
Although Stone was named the proverbial fifth starter to round out the rotation, his 2024 debut is coming in the Dodgers’ fourth game of the season.
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