Gavin Stone is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers this year after missing the entire 2025 season while recovering from a complex right shoulder surgery that repaired his labrum, rotator cuff and capsule.
The 27-year-old impressed in his 2026 Cactus League debut on Feb. 24, but experienced some discomfort after throwing an ensuing bullpen session that prompted an MRI on his right shoulder.
The results were encouraging as they only showed inflammation and no structural damage, but Stone nevertheless was shut down from throwing for the immediate future.
The right-hander will soon resume playing catch and hopes to throw off a mound in the next month, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports:
Gavin Stone update…Stone told us earlier today he will begin playing catch next week… "Hopefully within the next month I can pitch off the mound."#Dodgers @AM570LASports
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 15, 2026
While Stone continues to make progress, he won’t be an option for the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. Stone likely would have been the favorite to take Blake Snell’s spot in the starting rotation, who is also set to be sidelined for the start of the 2026 season due to left shoulder trouble.
A best-case scenario for Stone could be returning to the Dodgers in May as he will still need to build up his innings when he is cleared to start throwing off a mound again.
Stone last pitched 140.1 innings during the 2024 season before suffering his shoulder injury. He posted a 3.53 ERA in what became a breakout season as he made himself a viable rotation option for the club.
Dodgers rotation options without Gavin Stone
With Snell and Stone unavailable for Opening Day, the Dodgers will likely choose from a group of Emmet Sheehan, River Ryan and Justin Wrobleski for the final spot in their starting rotation.
Whoever gets the nod will join a group that should include Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
