Rookie Gavin Stone Set to Rejoin Dodgers, Start Against Braves

Dodgers' Gavin Stone to take on Braves' Charlie Morton.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are gearing up for an epic three-game series at SunTrust Park this week. Baseball purists are eagerly awaiting this showdown between the top two teams in the National League The first game will feature rookie right-hander Gavin Stone taking the mound for the Dodgers, making his second appearance as a major league pitcher.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Sunday that Stone would be recalled and take the injured Dustin May's spot in the rotation. Pressed for his thoughts on how Stone will do in his second go-round with the team, Roberts felt confident about the 24-year-old this time through.

"The unfamiliarity of [a big league game], the novelty of it, he's already done that. Also, I think he's throwing the baseball better in general. The changeup is better. The fastball command is better. So I just think that second time around, he'll be a lot more comfortable than he was the first time."

In his MLB debut against the Philadelphia Phillies, Stone allowed 4 runs in 4 innings. However, since then, he's been electric with the Triple-A OKC team surrendering just 3 runs across 11 innings.

Given the recent injuries that have sidelined May and now Julio Urias (who isn't expected to be out as long), Stone is expected to remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future. He will face off against 39-year-old Charlie Morton who's in the midst of another fine season.

First pitch is set for 4:20 PM LA time.