Dodgers claim division rival pitcher as Gavin Stone experiences setback

The Los Angeles Dodgers have wasted no time adding pitching depth this season. Earlier this week, the team traded for former Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Jake Eder, and they have now claimed right-handed relief pitcher Grant Holman off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Teams are always in search of pitching depth during the season, and for the Dodgers, that fact is emphasized by Blake Snell and Gavin Stone opening the season on the IL. To make room for Holman on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred Stone to the 60-day IL.

Stone had been sidelined since the start of spring training with shoulder inflammation, and just after Opening Day, the team confirmed that he had resumed his throwing program. After missing the entire 2025 season with a shoulder injury, the Dodgers are going to take a cautious approach with Stone's return. With the IL transfer, he's now eligible to be activated as early as May 24.

Dodgers start revolving door with pitching staff early, adding Grant Holman from the Diamondbacks.

Holman didn't last long with the Diamondbacks. The 25-year-old was added by Arizona at the start of spring training after spending the start of his career with the Athletics.

So far, there hasn't been much to write home about. In 22 outings with the Athletics last year, mostly out of the bullpen, he posted an ERA of 5.09 while striking out under 17% of the hitters he faced. Throughout his ascension in the minor leagues, Holman has been a strikeout pitcher. Perhaps the Dodgers can unlock that version of him at the major-league level.

Holman does have two minor-league options remaining, so once the Dodgers' pitching staff gets healthy, there is an opportunity for LA to stash him in the minors.

At the end of the day, sure, it's unlikely that Holman is going to be a pitcher of consequence for the Dodgers this season. That being said, these are the moves that define April and May. Now and then, a diamond in the rough is identified. Perhaps Holman checks that box by the end of the season, but for now, there's no need to scoff at added depth.