One of the many reasons the Los Angeles Dodgers were bullish over their starting pitching depth heading into the 2026 season was the expected return of Gavin Stone.
He missed all of 2025 while recovering from right shoulder surgery that was completed on Oct. 9, 2024. Stone was deemed fully healthy going into Spring Training but wound up being shut down after just one Cactus League start.
Latest Gavin Stone update
Stone was among several players who began the season on the injured list, with his official designation being right shoulder inflammation. The Dodgers then transferred him to the 60-day IL on April 1.
“He’s one that I’m really bummed out about,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA when asked for an update on Stone. “I think his makeup is off the charts, good compete. Right now, his body is just letting him down a little bit. There’s nothing else he can do.
“When he gets back and ramps it up, it sort of shows itself again. So right now I’m not sure exactly where he’s at in his progression.”
Considering that Stone’s surgery in October 2024 was a complex procedure that entailed repairing his labrum, rotator cuff and capsule, there was immediate concern when he suffered a setback in Spring Training. However, an MRI purportedly did not reveal any structural damage.
“I think we dodged a bullet. We feel good about it,” Roberts said at the time.
Stone nevertheless was projected to be shutdown from throwing for multiple weeks. At the end of March he was reported as being back to playing catch without any discomfort.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said in late April that Stone was throwing bullpen sessions, but that brought about another setback.
Gomes then revealed late last month the right-hander was limited to playing catch on flat ground as the Dodgers looked to ease him back into a progression.
“He’s back throwing. Little slower than expected and we’re trying to work through things to make sure once he gets going, we’re not taking a step back,” Gomes said. “Making sure he can handle a higher volume at the velocities he’s accustomed to throwing.”
Stone hasn’t pitched since throwing 140.1 innings in 2024, finishing with a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in what became a breakout season.
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!
