PHOENIX –– River Ryan made his reintroduction at Fanfest last month, showing up 30 pounds bigger than when Dodgers fans last saw him as a highly touted rookie pitcher in 2024, back before his promising debut season was cut short by Tommy John surgery.
On Saturday at Camelback Ranch, it was Gavin Stone’s turn to do the same, showing off the similarly impressive physical transformation he has made over the last two years, after his own breakout rookie campaign in 2024 was ended by shoulder surgery.
“It’s been a long rehab process,” said Stone, the once-slender right-hander who, like Ryan, added bulk to his frame during his time out injured, arriving at camp this year up roughly 15 pounds from his debut season.
“There’s (been) a lot of bad days,” he added of his recovery, “but some good days, (too).”
Saturday was one of those good days for Stone. Coming off a relatively normal offseason, he was already facing hitters in a live batting practice session. And though his one inning of work represented the smallest of sample sizes, it excitedDodgers brassnonetheless –– highlighted by a strikeout ofShohei Ohtaniin one of his at-bats, and strong execution of his fastball/changeup-heavy arsenal overall.
“Really good fastball quality, the arm’s good, the changeup was encouraging, and velocity was great,” general manager Brandon Gomes said. “That was a really nice (outing) for Stoney.”
The first, the Dodgers hope, of many more this year.
Though the team is only a few days into official spring workouts, Stone and Ryan are already the two young pitchers turning the most heads early.
In 2024, each flashed tantalizing potential, with Stone posting an 11-5 record and a 3.53 ERA over 23 starts, and Ryan dazzling with a 1.33 ERA in a four-outing tease. Now, the two 27-year-olds are trying to make up for lost time, entering 2026 with full health and visibly improved strength.
“Those guys,” Gomes said, “look great.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
