Just when his comeback seemed back on track, Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone faced another frightening moment.
Now the young right-hander is finally speaking out — and the update is giving Los Angeles fans cautious hope.

Dodgers Pitcher Gavin Stone Shares Crucial Update After Shoulder Scare During Comeback

The comeback journey for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone has already been filled with obstacles. But this spring delivered a dramatic reminder that returning from a major injury is rarely a straight path.

After missing the entire 2025 season following shoulder surgery, Stone finally stepped back onto the mound earlier this year — a milestone that energized Dodgers fans who had been waiting to see one of the organization’s most promising young arms return.

For a brief moment, everything appeared to be falling perfectly into place.

Then came another scare.

A Promising Career Interrupted

Before the injury, Stone had begun establishing himself as a valuable piece of the Dodgers’ pitching future.

His most recent full MLB season in 2024 was a breakthrough. Over 140 innings, the right-hander posted an impressive 11–5 record with a 3.53 ERA, showing the kind of consistency that teams crave from young starters.

The performance placed him firmly on the radar as a potential long-term rotation option.

But the momentum stopped abruptly.

In October 2024, Stone underwent shoulder surgery — an operation serious enough to keep him off the mound for the entire 2025 season.

For a developing pitcher, losing a full year of competition can be a major setback.

The road back requires patience, physical rebuilding, and mental resilience.

A Long-Awaited Return

This spring finally brought the first glimpse of progress.

On February 24, Stone made his return to game action during a spring training matchup against the Cleveland Guardians.

His assignment was limited — just one inning of work — but the outing delivered encouraging signs.

Stone retired all three batters he faced and struck out two hitters, showing flashes of the same command that impressed fans before his surgery.

Even more promising, his fastball reached 95 miles per hour, while his changeup generated multiple swings and misses.

Of the 15 pitches he threw, 11 were strikes, suggesting his control remained sharp despite the long layoff.

For the Dodgers, it felt like the comeback had officially begun.

Another Unexpected Setback

However, the optimism didn’t last long.

Following his appearance and an additional bullpen session, Stone began feeling discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder.

Inside the Dodgers organization, concern spread quickly.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the team immediately ordered imaging tests to evaluate the situation.

Given Stone’s recent surgery, the possibility of another injury was a frightening prospect.

Dodgers Receive Encouraging Test Results

Fortunately, the scans brought welcome news.

Medical imaging revealed no structural damage to Stone’s shoulder.

“I think we dodged a bullet,” Roberts said after reviewing the results.

Still, the Dodgers are taking no chances.

The organization has decided to shut Stone down from throwing for several weeks to ensure the shoulder fully settles before he resumes his recovery program.

The move reflects the team’s long-term approach to protecting one of its most promising pitchers.

Stone Remains Optimistic

Despite the temporary setback, Stone is maintaining a positive outlook.

Speaking to reporters, the 25-year-old said he hopes to resume mound work within the next month, a critical step toward returning to competitive action.

For Stone, the goal remains simple.

“For me, my goal is to make the team out of camp,” he said. “So I’m doing everything I can to make that happen.”

After losing an entire season, the determination to finish his comeback is stronger than ever.

Dodgers Rotation Still Taking Shape

Stone’s recovery comes at a crucial time for the Dodgers’ pitching plans.

At the moment, only Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow appear firmly locked into the starting rotation.

Several other pitchers are battling for the remaining spots, including:

Shohei Ohtani, who is gradually building back toward full-time pitching duties
Emmet Sheehan
Justin Wrobleski
River Ryan
Roki Sasaki

Adding to the uncertainty, Blake Snell is expected to miss the Opening Day roster, which could create even more opportunities for pitchers competing in camp.

If Stone returns to full strength, he could quickly re-enter the mix.

A Comeback Still in Progress

For now, patience remains the key.

The Dodgers know the long-term value Stone could provide if his shoulder fully recovers.

And Stone himself is determined to prove that the flashes he showed in 2024 were only the beginning.

After a lost season and a frightening spring setback, his mission is clear.

Finish the comeback.

And return stronger than ever.