Gavin Stone made his highly-anticipated MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers this season and endured some growing pains while making starts and pitching out of the bullpen at various points this year.
Stone was among the Dodgers’ top prospects expected to see time at the Major League level this season after impressing during Spring Training. The right-hander allowed five hits over 6.2 scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts against two walks in four Cactus League appearances.
And while he didn’t break camp with the Dodgers, Stone enjoyed learning from Clayton Kershaw and the rest of the Dodgers rotation during that time, per SportsNet LA:
“A lot. Just watching them day in and day out, do their stuff. Kershaw is here way before I am. I see him in here every morning when I get here. They’re always working, they’re always grinding. It’s great to see. It’s great to see what I need to be like for my career to be just as long as theirs. Hopefully I can continue to learn from them.”
Stone, along with the Dodgers’ other young pitchers over the years, have been fortunate to learn from one of the all-time greats in Kershaw, who still pitched at an elite level when healthy during his 16th big league season.
Stone went 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in eight games (four starts) over multiple stints with the Dodgers. The 25-year-old fared better in his first full season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 7-4 with a 4.24 ERA in 21 games (19 starts).
Gavin Stone enjoyed facing Phillies in MLB debut
Stone, who is known for his fearlessness on the mound, enjoyed facing a talented Philadelphia Phillies lineup that featured the likes of Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, among others, in his MLB debut.
“You’ve got to show confidence on the mound, or they’re just going to pick you apart,” Stone said of challenging Harper with a fastball in a 2-2 count.
“He’s a great hitter, and I’m very glad I got to make my debut against those guys, because that’s a good lineup. It was very fun, and hopefully I can get him out next time.”
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!
