Dave Roberts All But Confirms Gavin Stone to Be Fifth Starter in Dodgers Rotation
Even with all the pitching depth that the Dodgers have at their disposal, the team still waited until a few days before the start of the season to finalize the rotation. Los Angeles has most of their starters set in place, but the fifth spot has been up for grabs.
With Walker Buehler delayed to start the season, it opened up an opportunity for others. Naturally, many believed the role would go to right-hander Emmet Sheehan, who shined in his rookie season last year. But he is starting the year on the injured list also, giving the Dodgers their first test into their depth.
After a battle between a few arms, one pitcher has emerged. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts all but confirmed that right-hander Gavin Stone will take the fifth spot in the rotation after an impressive spring.
The decision was essentially between Stone and right-hander Michael Grove, but Roberts said Grove may be better as a bridge guy for the team. He started against the Kiwoom Heroes, pitching the first two innings.
“I think so,” Roberts said. “I mean, Michael, to be able to go one inning, two innings, three innings, to be sort of a bridge guy right now makes a lot of sense given the construction of our pitching.
Per Dave Roberts via The OC Register
With Grove moving to the bullpen, Stone is left to take the rotation spot. He has impressed this spring so far, building on an inconsistent 2023.
“I think with Gavin, like a lot of our young pitchers, just kind of sharpening up the command,” Roberts said of the difference in Stone this spring. “I use that word a lot because it’s important. For Gavin Stone in particular, the low dart, the fastball down at the knees, the changeup off of that, the cutter to the lefty. I just think for me, there’s just a lot less arm-side misses. He’s been able to repeat his delivery. So for me, that shows a lot of growth for him.”
Per Dave Roberts via The OC Register
In 9.2 innings pitcher this spring, Stone has an ERA of 0.93 with nine strikeouts. He has sharpened his command and his added velocity has made a big difference.
The Dodgers have believed highly of Stone for a while, but he just couldn’t put things together last year. He struggled in his 31 innings, posting an ERA of 9.00. But he set out this offseason to work on his game, which has paid off in a big way.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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