Gavin Stone is inching closer to potentially joining the Los Angeles Dodgers after beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier this month.
Stone has been a starter for most of his professional career but could find himself pitching out of the bullpen upon being activated off the injured list and rejoining the Dodgers.
“Given where we’re at, what he’s done, I think it’s more of potentially out of the ‘pen, a spot start if he builds up,” manager Dave Roberts recently said of Stone’s potential role with the Dodgers.
“Obviously from now until the end of September, worlds can change, but I think right now for us, let’s get him built up and let’s sustain health. That’s something we haven’t been able to do for the last couple years.”
With Blake Snell recently returning, Tyler Glasnow just getting back and Shohei Ohtani possibly pitching as soon as Sunday, there may not be many starting opportunities for Stone. Though, Roberts’ comments did come prior to Roki Sasaki leaving his start early because of a blister that has forced him to the injured list.
Eric Lauer has moved back into the rotation, but Stone could make an occasional spot start or perhaps take on a large role than the Dodgers first anticipated.
Their bullpen has generally been a strength this season, but not so much as of late. That’s particularly due to the recent struggles of Edwin Díaz, Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott, among others.
However, several reinforcements should be on the way. In addition to Stone potentially helping the group out, the Dodgers are planning to move Justin Wrobleski to the bullpen when he returns from the IL. Kris Bubic, Ben Casparius and Blake Treinen could also make an impact if they are able to return before the end of the season.
Gavin Stone’s rehab assignment
Stone has made two four for the Comets thus far on his rehab assignment, allowing two runs and four hits while collecting 18 strikeouts in 11.2 innings of work. He’s turned in back-to-back scoreless starts after allowing one run in both of his first two games.
Stone’s fastball velocity has topped out at 95.9 mph, which came in his third start.
The 27-year-old will likely spend the maximum 30 days permitted on his rehab assignment. He pitched in one Cactus League game for the Dodgers this year before succumbing to a right shoulder injury. His most recent appearance in the regular season was Aug. 31, 2024.
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