Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Feels There's 'A Lot to Like' with Pitching Prospect Gavin Stone
The Dodgers have been able to show off their myriad of young prospects early in spring training. Between Miguel Vargas, James Outman, Ryan Pepiot, Michael Grove and more, the Dodgers are expecting big contributions out of their young guys this season.
However, one of the more under-the-radar prospects who could make an impact this year is RHP Gavin Stone, and he's looked extremely impressive thus far in spring.
Stone has made two appearances, pitching two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out three. And he's had incredible command over the pitch clock, and has flashed his nasty changeup that's appeared to be pretty much unhittable early in spring.
When Dave Roberts spoke to the media earlier this week, he had very high praise for his young hurler, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
"He sort of just fits in, and then when he takes the mound with work, it’s a focus that a lot of young players, pitchers don’t have that appreciation for what that means,” Roberts said. "There’s an elite focus there. Then you layer on the stuff, it’s plus command. It’s a plus fastball, and it’s a plus-plus changeup and a pretty good slider. All those ingredients, a lot to like."
While Stone isn't likely to open the season on the big league roster, he could make a real case to come up and contribute sooner rather than later. He's looked flat out dominant thus far in spring, and has very quickly risen the ranks of the Dodgers minor leagues.
Last year, across High-A, Double-A and Triple-A, Stone had an incredible 1.48 ERA in 26 appearances (25 starts). The former penultimate pick in the 2020 Draft has quickly made a name for himself in the Dodgers organization, and it sounds like he'll be able to make an impact on the big league club sooner rather than later.
