It had been 543 days since Gavin Stone last faced big league hitting, but on Tuesday he made his long-awaited return against the Cleveland Guardians.
Stone was only dealt one inning of work as he was handed the start, tossing 15 pitches while striking out a pair of hitters in a perfect first inning. Stone later spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA about his return to the mound, as he will be one of a plethora of young options for the back end of the starting rotation.
“That was awesome,” said Stone during the second inning of Tuesday’s contest. “Considering the whole rehab process, how long it took, the surgery that I had, it was amazing to finally get back out there and do what I love doing.”
Dave Roberts spoke with Watson post-game, noting that the 27-year-old right-hander “hasn’t missed a beat.”
“I saw poise, I saw command of the fastball, I saw a really good changeup, and he just competes,” said Roberts. “Good to see Gavin back there.”
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Dalton Rushing understands his role as the main back-up to Will Smith. Although he still needs to adjust from playing everyday in the minor leagues to getting infrequent opportunities at the highest level, he is set on trying to contribute in whatever way helps this season, writes Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“The word this year is ‘produce,’” Rushing said. “I just want to produce for this team, whatever way that is, whether it means putting down a bunt in the eighth to get a runner over, or it means to hit a go-ahead double. Come up big in big situations, whatever way it is. I just want to help this team win.”
It was quite the whirlwind of an offseason for outfielder Michael Siani. After finishing the 2025 season within the St. Louis Cardinals system, he was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves at the start of the offseason, only to end up in a bidding war between the Dodgers and New York Yankees.
When the dust settled, Siani found himself at Camelback Ranch, and he is now looking to crack the Dodgers opening day roster. Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register writes about Siani’s offseason, with the outfielder staying even keel after the flurry of moves involving his name.
“All 30 teams had a chance to grab me. Luckily, the Dodgers held on to me to this point. It gives you more motivation and makes you want to be successful… Listen – I signed up for it. This is what I want to do. It comes with it,” he said.
Chicago Cubs star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong had some choice words to say about Dodgers fans and their supposed lack of devotion during games. Jerry Hairston Jr. was quick to retort, noting how home games are usually packed on a nightly basis.
“Yes, the Cubs fans are great fans. But do you know who’s better? The Dodgers fans. Dodgers sell out every single night— packed, loud— and it’s going to be loud. In late April the Cubbies are going to be coming to Chavez Ravine, and I’m sure Dodgers fans will ‘welcome’ PCA.”
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