Recent MLB Scoring Changes Have Hurt Dodgers’ Gavin Stone

Two recent scoring changes have ruled unfavorably for young Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone. He went from having one earned run on a rainy day in Chicago to giving up five earned runs.

The first of the two changes altered an error charged to Freddie Freeman into a single. Freeman could not backhand a ball hit to him by Ian Happ, and the ball popped into the air. Happ was able to leg out a single before Gavin Lux could make the throw to first.

Initially, since this was an error, none of the runs were considered earned since technically they should never have been on base. Now, Stone was charged with all three runs that inning.

The second change involves a ball hit to Mookie Betts at shortstop. As with Freeman, Betts could not backhand a ball while ranging to his right and the ball slid into left field.

Eventually, the runner would come around to score as an unearned run. However, now that it’s a single, Stone is also responsible for that run.

These changes doubled Stone’s season ERA from 4.50 to an even 9.00. Even with the scoring changes, it’s hard to fault Stone for his performance in Chicago.

It rained so much that day that Dodgers third baseman Miguel Rojas said he was standing in a puddle on defense. Rojas also slipped on home plate coming out of the batter’s box trying to run to first base. Many observers postulated the game should not have continued under those conditions.

Stone makes his next appearance Saturday, at home, against the San Diego Padres.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!