Dodgers News: Sunday's Starter for LA Appears to Have Joined Team in Boston
A familiar face has joined the Dodgers ahead of game two against the Red Sox in Boston. Heading into Saturday's game, the team hadn't yet announced a starter for the series finale on Sunday. Now we may have an idea of who that pitcher will end up being.
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic spotted rookie right-hander Gavin Stone at Fenway Park on Saturday, seemingly to pick up innings for the Dodgers on Sunday -- whether that's as a starter or in a bulk role remains to be seen.
Recently, the Dodgers used Stone in a hybrid bulk reliever role down at Triple-A to add to his toolbox as a potential weapon for the team in a different capacity. Otherwise, he's mostly been used in a starting capacity this year, posting a 5.04 ERA over 20 outings (19 starts). He's been much better than that since being sent back to AAA after a brief callup to LA. Over his last 8 games, Stone has a 2.85 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 41 innings.
It's been much more of a struggle for the 24-year-old at the big league level where he's surrendered 17 earned runs in 12 innings (12.75 ERA).
The Dodgers have altered Stone's pitch mix of late, ramping up his usage of the slider while bringing the usage of his famed change up down.
LA's need to bring up Stone was necessitated by Wednesday night's rainout which ultimately burned the bullpen after costing Clayton Kershaw a full start.
The club will hope for a long start out of Julio Urias today again the Red Sox before making any decisions about a transaction on Sunday morning. Victor Gonzalez and Bryan Hudson are on the active roster chopping block for Stone.
