When the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to push Clayton Kershaw’s scheduled start back to Saturday, it left a void in their rotation for the series opener against the San Diego Padres that was filled by Gavin Stone.
The start was Stone’s fourth and sixth overall game with the Dodgers. He joined the team from Triple-A Oklahoma City on the heels of being named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week after a stellar relief performance to follow Walker Buehler.
Stone struggled in the start but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the rookie would remain up with the team for another opportunity.
It’s not yet been decided if that will be in the form of a start or out of the bullpen, but Roberts said Stone is going to pitch the majority of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, via SportsNet LA:
“On Sunday, I don’t know if Gavin Stone is going to start or we’re going to have an opener, but he’ll take down the bulk.”
Stone was the first of the Dodgers’ pitching prospects to make his MLB debut this season. The right-hander had a difficult stretch of opponents to begin his career, having to face the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays in order.
Stone allowed 17 runs (16 earned) in just 10 innings pitched during that stretch and was sent back to OKC. He allowed just one run over two innings out of the bullpen on July 4, and had an encouraging outing against the Boston Red Sox in late August.
The 24-year-old reveled in being able to pitch at Fenway Park, even if the start ended on a sour note as Roberts pushed Stone an extra inning.
Will Gavin Stone have Dodgers postseason role?
The Dodgers are heading into the playoffs expecting to have an unorthodox pitching staff and approach, but Stone doesn’t appear to be part of those plans.
That conceivably could change if there are additional injuries to other pitchers.
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