Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Dodgers made a disappointing move on Tuesday, transferring promising young pitcher Gavin Stone to the 60-day injured list, officially ending his 2024 season. This roster adjustment came as part of the team’s decision to select Edgardo Henriquez from Triple-A Oklahoma City. While Henriquez’s arrival brings potential, it’s hard not to feel disheartened by the loss of Stone, who had shown so much promise this year and was widely expected to play a crucial role in the Dodgers’ postseason run.
Gavin Stone had been on the 15-day injured list since September 6 due to right shoulder inflammation. Unfortunately, despite initial hopes that he would recover in time for the postseason, the Dodgers’ latest move indicates that Stone will not return this year. His transfer to the 60-day IL effectively closes the door on any hopes fans had of seeing him pitch in October.
The move was necessary to make room for Henriquez on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, with Ben Casparius also being optioned to Oklahoma City to open a spot for Henriquez on the active roster. While it’s exciting to see Henriquez, a hard-throwing prospect, get his shot at making an impact as the Dodgers push toward clinching the National League West, it’s difficult not to feel disappointed about what this means for Stone’s immediate future. After all, Stone had been the only member of the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation to make every scheduled start this season before his injury. His durability and consistency had been a rare bright spot in a season marred by pitching challenges, making his absence even more significant.
When Stone initially went on the IL, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman had already expressed doubt about Stone’s chances of returning in 2024. The plan was for Stone to refrain from throwing for 10 days, after which he would start a light throwing program. However, despite these precautions, lingering discomfort in his shoulder prevented him from beginning the recovery process as scheduled. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reiterated Friedman’s concerns, making it clear that the team was not optimistic about Stone’s return this season.
Stone himself remained hopeful throughout the recovery process, expressing a desire to bounce back quickly and rejoin the team. However, with the Dodgers officially transferring him to the 60-day IL, it’s clear that the hope has faded, and Stone’s 2024 campaign has come to an end.
Stone’s final stat line for the season is impressive—he posted an 11-5 record with a 3.53 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP over 25 starts. His performance was one of the more consistent aspects of the Dodgers’ rotation this year, making his injury all the more frustrating for fans who had looked forward to watching him pitch deep into October.
While the Dodgers remain a strong team with a real shot at contending for a World Series, it’s hard not to wonder what might have been if Stone had been healthy enough to contribute in the postseason. His absence leaves a noticeable void, and fans can only hope he returns stronger in 2025.
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