Los Angeles Dodgers Top Prospect Set to Make MLB Debut vs. Phillies Wednesday

Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers called up pitching prospect Gavin Stone from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 24-year-old will make his Major League debut Wednesday afternoon in the Dodgers' series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium.

Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers called up pitching prospect Gavin Stone from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 24-year-old will make his Major League debut Wednesday afternoon in the Dodgers' series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium.

Stone is the no. 48 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. MLB Pipeline also has Stone ranked as the fourth-best prospect in a loaded Dodgers farm system, and the organization's second-best pitching prospect.

Stone will receive the start for the Dodgers Wednesday, with Phillies star Aaron Nola (2-2, 4.46 ERA) taking mound for the opposing team.

The Dodgers selected Stone out of the University of Central Arkansas in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Stone has impressed throughout his two and a half years in the Dodgers' farm system, but in 2023, he has posted the highest ERA of his professional career in Triple-A. Stone saw time in High-A, Double-A and Triple-A in 2022, logging a 1.48 ERA and 9-6 record over 25 starts across all three levels.

This season, however, Stone is off to a slower start. The right-hander has a 2-2 record to go with a 4.74 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over six starts and 24.2 innings pitched.

To make room for Stone, the Dodgers optioned left-handed pitcher Alex Vesia to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Vesia has struggled through 13 relief appearances this season, posting a 7.84 ERA in 10.1 innings pitched. He will likely see some time in Triple-A, as the Dodgers hope that he can return to form later this season. Vesia logged a 2.19 ERA across 104 relief appearances and 94.1 innings in 2021 and 2022.

With a win, the Dodgers would complete a sweep of the reigning National League champion Phillies, improving their record to 19-13.