Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone is finally back in the mix, and his role will involve him providing multiple innings for the team if his rehab continues to go well.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic , Stone is being built up to start for the Dodgers, serving as a long relief, emergency starter hybrid as needed.
Given the Dodgers' pitching picture, it seemed like Stone would be more of a short relief pitcher, possibly, but they seemingly want him to take on the mantle of bulk pitching.
Stone, who has not pitched in a game since spring training, made his 2026 season debut on Thursday , starting after his shoulder setback during the spring.
Aug 31, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone (35) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
He had surgery on his right shoulder in the latter part of 2024, missing the entire 2025 season before seemingly looking ready to go come February in Arizona .
However, after an appearance, he was shut down with shoulder discomfort, and since he had already had a brutal surgery on it, the Dodgers were understandably careful with him.
After working down in the Dodgers' complex in Arizona for months on end , Stone appeared in a Triple-A game.
He pitched 1.2 innings, allowed two hits and a run, but more than the result, it was important for him to make it through an entire outing.
Feb 17, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone (35) throws during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
His FIP was only 0.38 during his start, suggesting he was on the bad end of hitting luck.
Stone had five whiffs on 13 swings, along with nine called strikes. His fastball was around 94-95 MPH during his outing, around his average, a tick down.
Still, he was sharp and looked really good for someone who has missed so much time on the injured list. He will be pitching the full length of his rehab assignment, no matter how good he looks, as the Dodgers slow-play him back.
Still, come September, if he responds well to his workload, things should be full-go for a starting role.
