Update 2-13-2025
February is Black History Month
Gavin Stone, Jordan Wicks Update:
It is no secret that I am pulling for Gavin Stone and Jordan Wicks. In typical Arkansas coincidence, I met Jordan’s dad in Ace Hardware, and Gavin Stone pitched for my college alma mater. Of course, I know folks who know them. Perhaps everyone reading this also has some connection to these two young men. Not only are they home-state guys, but Gavin and Jordan are the kind of high-character people that make us proud.
I have this concern that is probably unfounded. I worry about younger pitchers who have an in-season injury that requires the “injury list” and a rehab period. My concern is that a young guy trying to make the team may come back too soon and exacerbate the problem, or alter his mechanics and create another unrelated problem. Gavin and Jordan both dealt with more than one seemingly unrelated injury list visit in 2024, and both had seasons that ended early.
Tuesday was the first day teams could place players on what is now called the “60-day Injured List.” Don’t be misled by seeing Gavin Stone’s name on that list. He is likely to miss all the 2025 season. That is not all bad news, nor is an early finish to Jordan Wicks’ 2024 season and a long winter of conditioning a situation without benefits.
I am reading reports from the Cubs that Wicks has had a very promising off-season conditioning and rehab program. He is healthy, confident, and rested. I look for him to contend for a spot on the Cubs Opening Day roster and eventually regain his place in the starting rotation or become a long reliever. A long off-season may be just what the doctor ordered.
Stone led the World Champions in wins (11), starts (25,) and innings (140⅓) while posting a 3.53 ERA. He also pitched the Dodgers’ only shutout and complete game in the last two seasons. If, as expected, he does not pitch in 2025, he can recover and rehabilitate without the pressure to return in a pennant race. Like Wicks, Stone has already proven himself. A recovery without pressure could lead to a fresh start in 2026.
A Black History Month Tribute: From February 2021, Slick Surratt
In case you Missed This Week’s Lost Stories: Bill Dickey, Ray Winder, and the Claypool Tigers.
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