rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone spent more than a year recovering from shoulder surgery, an injury that kept him out for longer than originally expected.
Stone underwent surgery on Oct. 9, 2024, to repair the capsule, partial labrum, and partial rotator cuff.
He missed the Dodgers’ World Series win in the 2024 season against the New York Yankees, and then the 2025 World Series against Game 7.
His recovery extended into the entire 2025 season, though he arrived at Spring Training ahead of the 2026 season ready to go.
While he is now ready to resume pitching, his injury and surgery turned out to be worse than expected, leading to an extended recovery time that takes time.
As detailed by Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Stone underwent extensive shoulder work, more than initially reported.
“Stone began experiencing difficulty recovering between starts, which ultimately led to surgery performed by renowned Dodgers team physician Neal ElAttrache,” Doug McKain reports.
“During the procedure, ElAttrache discovered that bone was scraping against the shoulder capsule. In addition to addressing that issue, they performed a partial labrum repair and a partial rotator cuff repair.”
However, while he missed more than 500 days on the mound, he is reported to be on time for the action.
Stone pitched 140.1 innings in 2024 before the injury, posting a 3.53 ERA with 1116 strikeouts and 58 walks.
As he works back in, the Dodgers are aware of how complex shoulder recovery can be, even long after the fact.
Manager Dave Roberts cited the tricky nature of shoulder injuries when it comes to pitching.
“Shoulders are certainly more tricky than the elbow historically, but Gavin put in a lot of work to get back to being the pitcher he was,” the skipper said.
Dave Roberts celebrates Gavin Stone’s comeback
Ahead of Stone’s first start, Roberts celebrated the young player’s resilience amid injuries and his ability to power through his recovery.
”I was surprised by the severity of the injury, I think, but it speaks to Gavin is such a tough, tough ball player, and so he was going through stuff and still found a way to compete and be good, but some of these guys are just such good competitors that there’s always stuff that’s bothering.”
In his first start since coming back, Stone had two strikeouts, putting together a clean 1-2-3 inning.
Dodgers fans should be excited about what Stone can offer to the rotation, especially with three Japanese pitchers that could use additional rest.
