Gavin Stone’s Shoulder Woes Resurface: A Major Blow for the Dodgers’ Rotation Plans?
Baseball fans, brace yourselves—Gavin Stone’s journey back to the mound has hit another roadblock. Just when it seemed like the Dodgers’ right-hander was on the cusp of a triumphant return, shoulder discomfort has sidelined him once again. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news, leaving many to wonder: Can Stone ever fully recover from his injury-plagued past?
But here’s where it gets controversial... Is this setback a sign of deeper structural issues, or merely a precautionary pause? Sources, including Jack Harris of The California Post and Sonja Chen of MLB.com, indicate no structural damage, but Stone’s history raises concerns. After missing the entire 2025 season due to a major shoulder surgery—repairing his labrum, capsule, and rotator cuff—this latest flareup feels like déjà vu. Stone, who entered spring training without restrictions and even tossed a perfect inning with two strikeouts, now faces an uncertain future. He’s currently shut down from throwing, a move that, while understandable, leaves the Dodgers’ rotation plans in flux.
And this is the part most people miss... Stone’s 2024 season was a testament to his potential. With a 3.53 ERA across 140 1/3 innings and a knack for limiting walks and hard contact, he looked every bit the mid-rotation arm the Dodgers need. But with Blake Snell also battling arm fatigue and likely starting the season on the injured list, the team’s pitching depth is being tested early.
The Dodgers’ six-man rotation plan now hinges on the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki to anchor the top spots. Ohtani, notably, isn’t pitching in the World Baseball Classic and may face a tight pitch count early on. Emmet Sheehan, delayed by illness, is expected to secure a spot, leaving one rotation position up for grabs. River Ryan, Justin Wrobleski, Landon Knack, and Cole Irvin are all in the mix, but none come without question marks. Ryan and Knack are returning from injuries, Wrobleski’s role is undefined, and Irvin is a non-roster invitee.
Here’s the real question: Can the Dodgers afford to wait for Stone? With Kyle Hurt, once a rotation hopeful, now pegged as a multi-inning reliever, the team’s options are narrowing. Hurt, who missed last season due to Tommy John surgery, has impressed in camp with six strikeouts in three innings, but his role seems set in the bullpen.
As the season opener looms, the Dodgers face a delicate balance between patience and pragmatism. Stone’s health is paramount, but the rotation’s stability hangs in the balance. Is this the end of Stone’s bid for a starting role, or just another hurdle in his comeback story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Stone can still be a reliable starter, or is it time for the Dodgers to look elsewhere?
