Gavin Stone’s Impact on the Dodgers
In offseason trade talks, several teams attempted to acquire right-hander Gavin Stone from the Dodgers, but Los Angeles held on to the former top prospect. This decision is paying off as Stone has become a key part of manager Dave Roberts’ rotation. After struggling last season, allowing 31 runs in his first 31 big league innings, Stone has rebounded significantly. He ranks second on the Dodgers with 89 innings pitched and is tied for second with 15 games started, posting an impressive 2.73 ERA at the halfway point of the season. Although his 19.5% strikeout rate is below average and his .268 BABIP and 6.3% HR/FB ratio suggest some potential for ERA regression, Stone has proven to be a reliable big league starter. Drafted in the fifth round in 2020, he has been a constant presence in L.A.’s rotation despite injuries to key pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler.
Dodgers’ Pitching Market Exploration
With six starters on the injured list and injury-prone pitchers like James Paxton and Tyler Glasnow in the rotation, the Dodgers are actively seeking pitching reinforcements. They made an offer to the White Sox for lefty Garrett Crochet, which was rejected. Crochet, a 2020 draftee, has pitched 101 1/3 innings this season—more than his entire professional career combined before 2024. Concerns about his durability remain, and he might not stay in a regular rotation role if traded. However, the Dodgers see him as a potential key player for October and are willing to adapt his usage as needed.
Mookie Betts’ Absence and Infield Considerations
The Dodgers are also facing the challenge of being without star leadoff man Mookie Betts for six to eight weeks. Betts has played right field and both middle-infield positions, and his absence has led to Miguel Rojas taking on a regular role at shortstop. Rojas, 35, is having an excellent season, hitting .297/.344/.446 (126 wRC+) and playing top-tier defense. Manager Dave Roberts and third base coach Dino Ebel have praised Rojas as one of the best defensive shortstops in the sport. Roberts has expressed a willingness to keep Rojas at shortstop even when Betts returns, potentially moving Betts to second base to strengthen both the lineup and defense.
Potential Roster Adjustments
The Dodgers might consider acquiring an everyday outfielder, allowing Betts to play second base and using Andy Pages and Jason Heyward in a platoon role alongside a new outfielder and Teoscar Hernandez. Alternatively, adding a regular second baseman could push Betts back to the outfield. The Dodgers’ versatile roster and substantial lead in the NL West (7.5 games over San Diego) provide flexibility and reduce immediate pressure on their front office. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, GM Brandon Gomes, and their team can afford to take a measured approach to further enhance their first-place roster.
As usual, the Dodgers’ blend of versatile defenders and their position in the standings allow them to explore various trade options while reducing the urgency to make an immediate move. The size of their lead in the division gives them the luxury of taking a fluid approach to augmenting an already strong roster.
