Gavin Stone's season is likely over + updates on Kershaw, Glasnow, Knack

An update on some Dodgers pitchers

It doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but Dave Roberts pretty much confirmed that Gavin Stone’s season is over.

When speaking with reporters, Roberts said it is “unlikely” Stone returns this season. He was expected to throw in Miami, but his shoulder isn’t responding just yet and it’ll be more time. Considering the playoffs begin in two weeks, it makes sense that Stone just won’t be ready.

Although Roberts is saying his season is likely over, Stone hasn’t given up just yet. According to the LA Times, Stone hasn’t given up all hope, saying he wants to see how his shoulder feels once he starts playing catch again next week.

“Mindset-wise, hopefully I can come back,” he said. “I don’t know for sure obviously. But hopefully when I start throwing again there’s no pain and everything.”

Props to him for being optimistic, but he has a long ways to go. Maybe if the Dodgers make it to the World Series he’d be able to build back up? That is five weeks away, which could allow him time to return.

I don’t want to give people hope, but if Stone could return by the end of October, maybe Tyler Glasnow could as well? Glasnow was transferred to the 60-day IL on Wednesday, though it was retroactive to when he was placed on the IL initially in early August.

All I’m saying is, despite being added to the 60-day IL, he would be eligible to be activated in the middle of October. I’m not saying he’ll return, I’m just saying it at least keeps the door slightly open if he is able to recover over these next five weeks.

Hey, I want to believe!

Clayton Kershaw update

Clayton Kershaw threw off a mound for the first time since being placed on the IL. He threw 84 pitches, which is quite the bullpen session.

From The Athletic:

Roberts wasn’t sure when Kershaw would face hitters in a simulated game, a next step before a potential big-league return. He said returning before the end of the regular season would not be a requirement for postseason consideration, but there still remains a chance that Kershaw pitches in a regular-season game anyway.

“There’s going to be a point whenever we all come together and decide to fire that bullet and let him pitch for us,” Roberts said. “I’m holding out hope that it happens. I don’t think anyone knows when it’s going to happen. But today was a big step in the right direction.”

Personally, it’s tough to see Kershaw pitching in a regular season game. The end of the season is 10 days away, so not sure how that would happen. Like Roberts said, Kershaw would have to still face hitters in a simulated game. I guess if he does that next week, he could maybe return for the final game of the season?

The Kershaw situation is tricky. Do you try and rush him back so he can get one more start before October? Do you give him extra rest, but bring him back in October for his first start in over a month?

I’m not really sure what the better option would be. Personally, I’d give Kershaw as much time as possible and allow him to fully recover. I don’t think he would be needed in the NLDS, so if you can risk holding him out until the NLCS I think that would be the smarter play.

Then again, the Dodgers kinda need starting pitching now so he might be needed to start Game 4 of the NLDS, should the Dodgers play that game.

Speaking of Game 4…..

Landon Knack made quite the case last night to be the Game 4 starter. After a rough outing in Atlanta last week, Knack delivered his best start of the season last night. His Game Score of 68 was the best of his young career.

Knack tossed five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits. He struck out seven, tied for the second most of his career.

If you take out that Atlanta outing, Knack has looked fantastic this season. In 12 appearances excluding his last start, Knack owns a 2.75 ERA. Over a 60-inning sample size, that is pretty damn good.

For the most part, Knack has looked the part when he’s been given a chance this year. I wrote about this the other day, but he’s probably the Dodgers’ best option at the moment to start Game 4. My only concern would be that he’s a rookie, but at this point he’s your most reliable arm so you won’t have a choice.