The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Gavin Stone and optioned Bryan Hudson to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to their series finale against the Boston Red Sox.
Stone is not starting the game, but is expected to pitch bulk innings at some point. Caleb Ferguson is being utilized as an opener for the fourth time this season and second instance of the Dodgers’ road trip.
Ferguson last did so on Thursday in the second game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians. He’s allowed one run, six hits and collected six strikeouts over three innings pitched as a starter this year.
Meanwhile, Stone is looking for better results than in his initial stints with the Dodgers. Stone made his MLB debut against the Philadelphia Phillies and struggled in four games (three starts) with the Dodgers.
During that span Stone pitched to a 12.75 ERA and 3.00 WHIP, though did fare well in his last appearance for the Dodgers, when he allowed just one run over two innings out of the bullpen during the final week before the All-Star break.
“I still stand by it was a good opportunity for him and good experience,” manager Dave Roberts said earlier this season.
“So just to kind of go down there and work on commanding the fastball. I think in the Minor Leagues, you have a lot more margin for mistakes and get away with them. And also when he does get two strikes, to be able to put hitters away with the breaking ball and changeup.”
Stone last pitched for Oklahoma City on August 22. He followed an opener and threw 35 pitches over three innings while allowing one run. The relief appearance was Stone’s first of the season at the Triple-A and an indication of how the Dodgers may utilize down the stretch in a potential audition for the postseason.
Stone also made one relief appearance during the 2021 and 2022 Minor League seasons. He was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Bryan Hudson optioned for Gavin Stone
Hudson heads to OKC after pitching in three games during his latest stretch with the Dodgers. Hudson appeared back-to-back days against the Cleveland Guardians, and again on Saturday.
Overall with the Dodgers this season, the left-hander has a 7.27 ERA and 1.85 WHIP across seven relief appearances. Hudson has fared much better with Oklahoma City, going 5-1 with a 2.76 ERA.
Hudson had been added to the Dodgers roster on August 19 when Tony Gonsolin was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right forearm inflammation.
More must-reads: