Along with placing Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list because of left shoulder soreness/inflammation, the Los Angeles Dodgers also optioned Victor González to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalled Gavin Stone.
The Dodgers recalled Michael Grove as the corresponding roster move involving Kershaw, and the right-hander starts in his place Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
While Grove is taking the ball in the series opener and could start again Saturday, the outlook for Stone is slightly less clear.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Stone will not start any of the club’s six games before the All-Star break, and may only pitch if there’s a need for some length out of the bullpen.
Stone made his MLB debut May 3 and struggled in all three starts for the Dodgers. Having to face the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays, Stone allowed a combined 17 runs (16 earned) on 23 hits and seven walks in just 10 innings pitched.
“I still stand by it was a good opportunity for him and good experience,” Roberts said when Stone was optioned at the end of May.
“So just to kind of go down there and work on commanding the fastball. I think in the Minor Leagues, you have a lot more margin for mistakes and get away with them. And also when he does get two strikes, to be able to put hitters away with the breaking ball and changeup.”
Returning to Oklahoma City did not prove beneficial for the Dodgers prospect, as Stone allowed a combined 24 runs over four starts, including a season-worst 10 in one outing.
Victor González saddled by inconsistency
After pitching to encouraging results upon getting an opportunity with the Dodgers this season, González has been mired by inconsistent performances.
He’s 2-3 with a 5.32 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 25 games (one start). González has pitched to a 1.29 ERA in six appearances for Oklahoma City.
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