Dodgers News: Gavin Stone’s Confidence is Riding at an All Time High
Top prospect right-hander Gavin Stone has been downright electric this spring for the Dodgers. In 4 outings he’s yet to surrender a run while striking out 14 batters in 6.2 innings of work. 8 of those Ks came in a 3 inning effort on Sunday afternoon in Glendale, AZ.
After his dominant outing, LA’s number 4 prospect talked about the confidence that’s coming with his spring training success.
“It just gives me confidence. I feel like that’s key to being a good pitcher, having confidence on the mound. If you don’t exude confidence then hitters are going to have better at-bats. So that’s just my main focus to stay as confident as possible on the mound, because if I throw my stuff, then I know my stuff is better than their stuff.”
Via Bill Plunkett, OC Register
The 2020 draft pick’s stock skyrocketed after an impressive campaign last season. Stone owned the competition across three different minor league levels in 2022, accumulating a 9-6 record with a 1.48 ERA over 26 games (25 starts). Now the 24-year-old is knocking on the door for the Dodgers’ big league staff.
Stone told DodgersNation.com earlier this spring that even he’s a little shocked by his rapid success as a professional considering he was closing games as a collegiate athlete just three years ago. Since then the organization has worked to build the right-hander up as a starter and helped him add and refine what is now his most dangerous weapon, this devastating changeup.
He also adjusted the grip on his slider last season which added another dimension to his pitch mix.
Gavin Stone seems to have all the tools in place to succeed quickly as a major leaguer. He just needs to get that opportunity first.
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Being that pitching is one of our weaknesses this year, fingers are crossed that Gavin can come in and upgrade our pitching staff. Even more so with the constant injuries to Kershaw and Gonsolin.
I was so impressed watching Stone pitch against the A’s.I hope that Stone and all of the young talent will stop the D’s from being interested in getting Ohtani.