When the Los Angeles Dodgers placed Tony Gonsolin in the 15-day injured list due to right forearm inflammation, manager Dave Roberts named Ryan Pepiot, Gavin Stone and Ryan Yarbrough as the top candidates to replace him in the starting rotation.
However, that was also with the caveat of acknowledging the Dodgers are hesitant to remove Yarbrough from the swingman role he’s provided tremendous value in. Meanwhile, Pepiot has since pitched well against the Miami Marlins and Cleveland Guardians, with both instances coming in a bulk role during one game of a doubleheader.
In needing to use Pepiot for a doubleheader and electing to provide Lance Lynn with extra rest before his start against the Boston Red Sox, it left the Dodgers facing a need for the series finale at Fenway Park.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, the Dodgers plan to recall Stone from Triple-A Oklahoma City and have him pitch:
Gavin Stone is here today and will be added to #Dodgers roster for Sunday's game. He might start, might pitch following an opener but will figure into the game in some capacity
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 26, 2023
Stone last pitched for Oklahoma City on August 22. He followed an opener and threw 35 pitches over three innings while allowing one run. The relief appearance was Stone’s first of the season at the Triple-A and an indication of not only how the Dodgers may utilize him on Sunday but down the stretch in a potential audition for the playoffs.
Stone also made one relief appearance in 2021 and 2022 Minor League seasons. He was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Gavin Stone benefitted from Dodgers experience
Stone made his MLB debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 3 and struggled in his four games (three starts) with the Dodgers, pitching to a 12.75 ERA and 3.00 WHIP.
“I still stand by it was a good opportunity for him and good experience,” manager Dave Roberts said earlier this season.
“So just to kind of go down there and work on commanding the fastball. I think in the Minor Leagues, you have a lot more margin for mistakes and get away with them. And also when he does get two strikes, to be able to put hitters away with the breaking ball and changeup.”
Stone initially struggled upon returning to Oklahoma City but was named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week during a stretch in July and again in August.
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