Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Spring Training usually brings excitement for baseball fans, but it also carries the inevitable risk of injuries. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone is the latest to experience this, as the team recently announced he is dealing with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Fortunately, imaging tests revealed the best-case scenario that no structural damage was found.
Shoulder Discomfort Appears After Spring Training Outing
Stone began feeling discomfort in his right shoulder following a recent Spring Training appearance. After pitching a scoreless inning in Cactus League action, an outing where he showed he still deserves his position with the big boys, Stone continued his throwing program with a standard bullpen session. Soon after, the discomfort set in.
Because Stone recently underwent shoulder surgery, the Dodgers’ medical staff wasted no time. They ordered imaging tests immediately to ensure nothing serious had occurred. Acting quickly gave the team a clear understanding of the problem, a common and necessary precaution for pitchers rebuilding arm strength after an injury.
Recovery Plan Puts Throwing on Hold
As a result of the inflammation, Stone will not be throwing for at least a couple of weeks. During this time, his routine will focus on rest and recovery. Trainers will closely monitor his progress and help him rebuild strength before evaluating when he can throw again. Stone worked hard during the offseason to return from a shoulder surgery he underwent in October 2024.
Prior to that injury in 2024, Stone was having a strong season, proving he belonged in a Major League rotation. He finished the year with an 11- 5 record. He also posted a 3.53 earned run average across 25 starts. Those numbers showed he could be an important pitcher in the Dodgers rotation. Recovering from shoulder surgery is challenging for pitchers. Throwing puts a lot of stress on the shoulder joint. Even when arms feel strong during a workout, the pain often sets in the next day. Many pitchers deal with this while rebuilding their strength.
Injury Setback Impacts Opening Day Rotation Chances
While it’s a relief that the injury isn’t severe, this setback removes Stone from the Opening Day rotation mix. The Dodgers hoped Stone would take another step forward this year, but that timeline will now be delayed. Fortunately, Los Angeles has one of the deepest rosters in baseball. The Dodgers’ projected rotation is very impressive, featuring names like Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and Tyler Glasnow. With Stone temporarily sidelined, several younger arms will have an opportunity to prove themselves this spring, including Emmet Sheehan, River Ryan, and Justin Wrobleski.
A grueling MLB season requires pitching depth, and teams are always required to make adjustments. Right now, the most important takeaway is that Stone’s injury is not serious. If the inflammation subsides and his arm strength returns, Dodgers fans can still expect him to play a key role on the mound later this season.
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