Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone made his first start in nearly two years on Thursday, pitching for the Triple-A Oklahoma City club. Stone last appeared in a regular-season game for the Dodgers on Aug. 31, 2024, before undergoing shoulder surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season.
In his debut with Oklahoma City, Stone allowed one run on two hits and recorded three strikeouts over 1.2 innings against the Salt Lake Bees. This outing marks a significant step in his recovery and rehabilitation process, with the Dodgers cautiously optimistic about his potential return to the major league rotation in September.
Rookie Season and Injury
Stone emerged as a workhorse for the Dodgers in 2024, leading the team in starts and innings pitched as a rookie. He posted a 3.53 ERA with 116 strikeouts across 140.1 innings that season. He became the first Dodgers rookie pitcher to throw a complete game since Hyun Jin Ryu in 2013. However, his promising rookie campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury sustained in September 2024, sidelining him for the team's postseason and the entirety of the following season.
Potential Impact on Dodgers Rotation
Stone's potential return could provide depth to the Dodgers' starting rotation, especially with Shohei Ohtani having not made a pitching start since early July. If Stone proves effective upon his return to the major league team, he could offer the team flexibility, potentially allowing Ohtani more rest before the postseason. Furthermore, a strong performance could position Stone for a spot on the Dodgers' postseason roster.