Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic is reporting that Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Gavin Stone is headed to the 10-day injured list with shoulder inflammation. He had been the only pitcher in the rotation yet to miss a start this season. In corresponding roster moves, Los Angeles is recalling Landon Knack and Justin Wrobleski. They are also optioning reliever Michael Petersen to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers recalled RHP Landon Knack and LHP Justin Wrobleski, optioned RHP Michael Petersen and placed RHP Gavin Stone on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 6, 2024
Dodgers Place Gavin Stone on Injured List
No Stone’s Throw?
Stone, who reported discomfort after his last outing, will be shut down for ten days and then reevaluated to see how he feels. Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman did not rule out Stone’s return this season, but with few games remaining in the season, the timetable is murky.
A Turn-Around Year
The right-handed starter made his major-league debut last year, including four starts, and had an unimpressive 9.00 ERA. This year, however, has been an incredible improvement. In 25 starts, he has a more than respectable 3.53 ERA in 140 1/3 innings pitched. The innings are a career-high. Stone’s walk rate is down to 6.4% and his strikeout rate is up to 20%.
The Injured List…Again
The Dodgers, once thought to have a wealth of starting pitchers, are finding holes in their rotation for the second straight year. Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw are all currently on the IL. This leaves the Dodgers short of reliable options not only for the rest of the regular season but the postseason as well.
Yamamoto and Glasnow are reportedly nearing a return, but it still leaves stress on a rotation comprised of Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Bobby Miller. Buehler has shown signs of improvement. Miller, on the other hand, has struggled.
Los Angeles is trying to piece together a rotation in the midst of a pennant race. They hope that the aces on the IL will return to form in time for the postseason. It’s not a sure bet. But the Dodgers have to take it.
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