Gavin Stone struggled in his first taste of Major League action a year ago, but has since emerged as a key contributor in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation.
Through 15 starts, the right-hander is 9-2 with a 2.73 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 89 innings pitched this season. He held the Colorado Rockies to two runs over 5.1 innings in his outing at Coors Field and tied a season-high with seven strikeouts, and he followed that up with his first complete game shutout against the Chicago White Sox, once again picking up seven punchouts.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted the strides Stone has made and believes he should receive consideration for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I wouldn’t have bet on it coming into the season,” Roberts said. “But the way it has played out for three months, if that happened, man, it would certainly be well-deserved.”
Stone was a highly regarded prospect in the Dodgers farm system, but it is safe to say that nobody expected him to turn things around this quickly.
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Stone posted a 9.00 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in eight games (four starts) during his first stint with the Dodgers last year. The 25-year-old maintained rookie eligibility for the 2024 season and could potentially fetch some votes for the annual honor if he continues turning in quality starts.
Stone has allowed three runs or fewer in 12 of his 14 appearances this season. The Dodgers are 11-3 in games started by him, which has been a pleasant surprise.
Gavin Stone pitching with confidence & maturity
After throwing five scoreless innings in a start against the Rockies earlier this month, Austin Barnes noted that Stone is pitching with more composure on the mound. “I see the confidence level in executing pitches,” Barnes said.
“He’s not afraid to get beat in the zone right now. He trusts his stuff and he’s got a good mix right now. His sinker is really good, his slider has come a long way and he’s still got that really good wipeout changeup. He’s in a really good spot.”
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