Dodgers News: Tony Gonsolin Makes a Comeback from Tommy John Surgery

Tony Gonsolin is set to make a significant step in his recovery as he prepares for a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City. This comes just over a year after he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

Gonsolin, who has not pitched for the Dodgers this season, was initially sidelined with forearm inflammation after a rough outing where he allowed five home runs and ten earned runs.

He later revealed that he had been pitching with a torn UCL for several weeks before his surgery.

The 30-year-old has spent his entire career with the Dodgers, having been drafted in the ninth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Originally an outfielder in college, he transitioned to pitching in the Dodgers' minor league system.

Gonsolin earned recognition as the team's minor league pitcher of the year in 2018 and made his MLB debut the following season.

His breakout performance came during the shortened 2020 season, where he posted a 2.31 ERA and finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Gonsolin also contributed to the Dodgers' World Series victory that year, pitching in two games of the series.

Injuries have plagued Gonsolin since the 2020 season. He missed the start of the 2021 season due to shoulder issues and faced additional setbacks later that year.

However, he rebounded in 2022, achieving a career-best 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA and earning his first All-Star selection, despite another injury late in the season.

The 2023 season was challenging for Gonsolin, as ongoing arm issues limited his effectiveness. He started 20 games, finishing with an 8-5 record and a 4.98 ERA.

His upcoming start in Oklahoma City marks a hopeful return to form as he aims to regain his previous performance levels.

Additionally, starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is also making his return after spending over two months on the injured list with a sprained rotator cuff, as he prepares to face the Chicago Cubs.