Gavin Stone’s Shoulder Woes Resurface: A Major Blow for the Dodgers’ Rotation Plans?
By Anthony Franco | March 2, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT
In a development that’s sure to send ripples through Dodgers Nation, right-hander Gavin Stone is once again grappling with shoulder discomfort, as revealed by manager Dave Roberts to reporters, including Jack Harris of The California Post and Sonja Chen of MLB.com. This setback all but guarantees Stone won’t be ready for the season opener—a tough pill to swallow for a pitcher who’s already endured a grueling journey back from injury.
But here’s where it gets controversial: After missing the entire 2025 season due to extensive shoulder surgery—which included repairs to his labrum, capsule, and rotator cuff—Stone seemed poised for a triumphant return. He entered spring training without restrictions and dazzled in his debut, tossing a perfect inning with two strikeouts. Yet, just as hope began to bloom, a bullpen session between appearances reignited his shoulder issues. While there’s no indication of structural damage, the Dodgers are wisely shutting him down from throwing for now—a precautionary move given his fragile history.
At 27, Stone was shaping up to be a reliable mid-rotation arm. His 2024 campaign, cut short by injury, showcased a 3.53 ERA over 140 1/3 innings, with a slightly below-average 20% strikeout rate but impressive control over walks and hard contact. His absence now leaves a gaping hole in the Dodgers’ rotation plans.
And this is the part most people miss: The Dodgers had penciled in a six-man rotation to start the season, with Stone as a strong contender for one of those spots. But with Blake Snell also sidelined due to postseason arm fatigue, the team’s depth is being tested early. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki are locks for the top four spots, though Ohtani’s pitch count may be limited early on as he skips the World Baseball Classic. Emmet Sheehan, delayed by illness, is expected to secure a spot, leaving just one rotation slot up for grabs.
The contenders for that final spot include River Ryan, returning from Tommy John surgery, and lefty Justin Wrobleski, who could also pitch out of the bullpen. Landon Knack, despite a rocky start to spring training, remains on the 40-man roster as a depth option. Veteran Cole Irvin, a non-roster invitee, is another name in the mix. Notably, Kyle Hurt, once a rotation hopeful, is now being groomed as a multi-inning reliever after his own Tommy John recovery. His early camp performance—six strikeouts in 11 batters faced—has been a bright spot, but he’s not in the rotation conversation.
Here’s the burning question: With Stone’s timeline uncertain and Snell’s status shaky, can the Dodgers’ rotation withstand these early setbacks? Or will this be the season where their depth is truly tested? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Dodgers have enough firepower to weather this storm, or is this the beginning of a challenging year for the rotation?
