Tony Gonsolin took a huge leap toward his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers with a positive outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Gonsolin pitched two scoreless innings for the Dodgers’ top farm team in his first appearance on his minor league rehab assignment.
Tuesday marked Gonsolin’s first game back since Aug. 18, 2023. He struck out three batters and navigated through a double and a single to hold Tacoma scoreless during his outing.
The 30-year-old Gonsolin spent the past year recovering from Tommy John surgery. Injuries plagued him last season, likely leading to his career-high 4.98 ERA.
He was set to be part of the Dodgers’ 2023 Opening Day rotation, but a sprained ankle during spring training landed him on the 15-day IL. After a rehab stint, Gonsolin returned to pitch from late April until mid-August, when it was revealed he had been pitching with a torn UCL since June.
What Gonsolin’s rehab assignment could lead to this season is “TBD right now,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
“Right now, it’s just taking it outing by outing with Tony,” Gomes said.
“We’re looking at this as building a foundation for 2025. But I don’t want to take it off the table for this year. And that’s what we’ve communicated to Tony – ‘Let’s focus on building for next year. And if things line up and the ball’s coming out, then we have a conversation.’”
With the Dodgers already managing several pitching staff injuries, Roberts mentioned it was “unlikely” that Gonsolin would be available to contribute in October.
“This is raising the floor on next year, building somewhat of a foundation. If there’s a crazy scenario where he’s called upon in ’24 and it made sense, great,” Roberts said.
“I think it’s unlikely and I talked to Tony and he understands how unlikely it would be. But to have him building up, getting into that playoff mindset to be ready if called upon is only a win. For him to have that carrot out there, that motivation, that’s only upside.”
The 2022 National League All-Star brings valuable experience and talent to the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Although he faced challenges last season, Gonsolin holds a solid career ERA of 3.19, with a personal best of 2.14 in 2022. A Northern California native, he’s spent parts of the last five seasons with the Dodgers.
In his 2020 rookie year, Gonsolin played a key role in the Dodgers’ World Series win. Baseball America named him to the All-Rookie Team and honored him as their Major League Rookie of the Year.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
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