Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone's journey to the opening day roster hit a bump in the road. After an impressive start in the Cactus League, Stone's right shoulder surgery recovery took an unexpected turn. A bullpen session led to soreness, prompting a reevaluation of his progress. Manager Dave Roberts shared that Stone's setback is a reminder that recovery timelines can be unpredictable, even for elite athletes. This isn't the first time the Dodgers have faced similar challenges. Walker Buehler and Tony Gonsolin, both recovering from Tommy John surgery, didn't return to the mound until well into the season. River Ryan, who underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024, is also in a similar situation, with a long layoff between games. The team's approach to rehabilitation seems to prioritize long-term health over early returns. Meanwhile, other pitchers are making steady progress. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani are all on track, with Ohtani continuing his build-up even after the World Baseball Classic. Roki Sasaki is adding new pitches to his repertoire, and Emmet Sheehan, despite a recent flu, is still in the running for a rotation spot. The Dodgers' 40-man roster includes Landon Knack, and Cole Irvin, a veteran from the KBO, is also in the mix.
