Dodgers officially name fifth starter after dominant outing vs. Team Korea

The rookie right-hander will be the Dodgers' No. 5 starter to begin the 2024 season.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone (71) pitches
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone (71) pitches / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation finally has it's fifth starter. Dave Roberts has tabbed Gavin Stone to be part of the Dodgers starting rotation to begin the upcoming season. Stone beat out Michael Grove for that final spot in the Dodgers rotation.

Stone, who had a cup of coffee with the big league club in 2023, will be heading to the hill every fifth day in 2024. While the right-hander was among the favorites to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster before camp began, Stone's performance this spring solidified his inclusion among the Dodgers starters.

Stone pitched in four games this spring with three starts, covering over nine innings. In those outings, Stone allowed just one hitter to dent the plate while recording nine punchouts. The 25-year-old walked just one batter all spring, and will now be counted on to help the Dodgers take back the National League pennant in 2024.

Dodgers tab Gavin Stone to fill out rotation after dominant outing vs. Team Korea

If Stone didn't have the No. 5 spot in the Dodgers starting rotation wrapped up prior to Monday's exhibition game against Team Korea, his dominant performance in front of 14,000 fans at the Gocheok Sky Dome clinched it.

The Dodgers took the field on Monday as precursor to the Seoul Series that will take place on Wednesday morning. After dispatching of the Kiwoom Heroes 14-3 on Sunday, LA took down Team Korea by a final of 5-2. Stone was an integral part of the Dodgers' victory.

Stone came on in relief of Bobby Miller, who went five innings and struck out six batters. Stone pitched 3.1 innings of hitless baseball while striking out eight. Stone's one walk was the only blemish in what was an otherwise flawless performance.

The Dodgers rotation is now set, with Tyler Glasnow set to take the hill for the opener on Wednesday, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting Game 2 of the Seoul Series on Thursday. The Dodgers will then return stateside and face the St. Louis Cardinals in their home opener on March 28th at Dodger Stadium. The trio of Stone, Miller, and James Paxton are expected to round out LA's starting rotation with a rehabbing Clayton Kershaw waiting in the wings.

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