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Dodgers ‘Dodged a Bullet’ With Gavin Stone Injury

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone’s new shoulder injury will keep him out for a couple of weeks, per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya

Stone featured in just one spring training game before suffering an injury setback, which Ardaya reports is just inflammation, not structural damage. Manager Dave Roberts reportedly said LA “dodged a bullet” with the injury.

Stone spent all of the 2025 season on the injured list after undergoing shoulder reconstruction surgery during the 2024 season. That season, Stone led the Dodgers with 140.1 innings pitched and 25 starts, posting a solid 3.53 ERA during his rookie year.

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone against the Cleveland Guardians during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

How Did Gavin Stone Pitch in His First Game Back?

Stone got the ball against the Cleveland Guardians Feb. 24, and only pitched the first frame in his return game.

He retired the Guardians in order, logging just two strikeouts and getting out of the frame in just 15 pitches. His changeup looked especially sharp, as he threw the pitch seven times and recorded all three outs with it.

The Dodgers went onto win the game, 11-3, and Stone commented on his performance following the game.

“That was awesome,” Stone said to SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson. “Considering the whole rehab process, how long it took, the surgery I had. It was amazing to finally get back out there and do what I love doing.

”…As long as I could replicate the stuff I had in ‘24 I knew I’d be okay. Getting back to that point, working on the velo… I’m just ready to go out there and get outs for the guys. I don’t really care about personal accomplishments or what I do out there as long as I can get outs for the guys as long as we can push for a three-peat.”

Opening Day is more than three weeks away, so Stone has plenty of time to ramp back up and begin throwing off the mound by the beginning of the season. He’ll look to be back by then so he can make his first MLB appearance in over a year and help the Dodgers on their way to another championship.

Are you excited to see Gavin Stone back in action for the Dodgers in 2026?

Read full story at Yahoo Sport →