Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone has been shut down from throwing after experiencing discomfort in his surgically repaired right shoulder during spring training. The setback occurred last week following his Cactus League debut and a bullpen session, with no timeline for his return. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news ahead of a game against the Colorado Rockies.
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Right-hander Gavin Stone aimed to break camp with the Dodgers after missing last season due to shoulder surgery, but a recent injury has jeopardized his status for Opening Day.
Stone felt discomfort in his right shoulder last week after pitching a scoreless inning in his first Cactus League appearance since Aug. 31, 2024, and during a subsequent bullpen session. Roberts shared the update with reporters at Salt River Fields before Monday's matchup against the Rockies. Stone underwent reconstructive surgery on his shoulder in October 2024, which caused him to miss two World Series appearances.
Entering spring training, Stone was deemed fully healthy, yet he noted challenges in recovery. "The recovering part of it has been the hardest, especially going through Spring Training," Stone said after last week's outing. "The days that I’ve thrown [live batting practice], bullpens -- today felt great, but the recovery part is still a grind."
Prior to his 2024 injury, Stone enjoyed a breakout season, leading the Dodgers with 140 1/3 innings pitched and a 3.53 ERA. He was competing for a rotation spot this year. With Stone sidelined, the Dodgers gain clarity on their starters. Blake Snell is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, leaving Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow as the only fully stretched-out certainties. Shohei Ohtani will join the rotation but may not handle full starts initially, opening two or three spots.
Candidates include Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, and River Ryan, all potentially making the roster. Sasaki struggled in his debut, Sheehan is recovering from illness but expected to pitch soon, Wrobleski has started strong, and Ryan delivered a clean inning post-Tommy John surgery.
Roberts has discussed a possible hybrid rotation early in the season, using five starters with long-relief options for spot starts, which could support Ohtani's buildup. Stone had been a contender for a swingman role, though his immediate availability remains uncertain as the team relies on its pitching depth.
