Dodgers to call up pitching prospect Gavin Stone
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly calling up Gavin Stone, one of the team’s top pitching prospects, later this week, according to MLB.com reporter Juan Torribio.
Stone, who is only 24 years old, is No. 4 in the Dodgers system and is ranked 49th among all prospects. Stone would likely be called up Wednesday and make his major league debut against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Stone would provide much-needed relief to the Dodger’s rotation, which has been inconsistent this season.
Clayton Kershaw has looked like his prime self thus far, giving up two or fewer runs in five out of his six starts. His 1.89 ERA is the 8th best in MLB.
However, there is concern he won’t be able to stay healthy for the full season since he has gone on the injured list the last few years for his back. So it is safe to assume Kershaw will not be making a start every five days.
Julio Urías started the season off hot, throwing five straight quality starts and boasting a 1.90 ERA. However, the ace of the staff has gotten touched up in his last two starts, giving up 11 runs combined, which ballooned his ERA to 4.41.
Dustin May has been solid in his return from Tommy John surgery, but is on a soft innings limit and hasn’t pitched past the sixth inning since his first start. Tony Gonsolin just returned from injury, and the Noah Syndergaard experiment hasn’t gotten off to the best start.
Stone himself struggled to begin the year. On Opening Day in Triple-A Oklahoma City, Stone allowed six runs and was pulled after 2.2 innings. Since then, Stone has had strong outing after strong outing.
After giving up six runs in one game, Stone only allowed seven over his next five starts. In his last two starts, Stone struck out 15 batters combined.
The Dodgers have not confirmed the move and will likely need to place someone on the IL or option a player.
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