Dodgers Injury News: Tony Gonsolin Finally Has a Return Timeline

Dodgers All-Star RHP Tony Gonsolin has been out for three weeks now with a sprained ankle he suffered following a drill in spring training. The Cat Man has struggled to recover from the fluke injury, and is going to be sidelined for the start of the season.

Last week, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Gonsolin would miss “a few weeks” to start the season, but on Monday, he provided even more clarity on the recovery timeline.

Roberts said the right-hander threw 20-25 pitches and that “he was still a ways away” from returning.

“Tony threw a bullpen today. (Pitching coach) Mark Prior said it went really well, he felt good. My assumption is the next few days he’ll throw another one and keep progressing from there. … The timeline that we’re thinking about is end of April for him to be back.”

If Gonsolin returns around the end of April, that would likely be around four starts he’s missing to open the season. In his place, RHP Ryan Pepiot will be filling in. The young right-hander has looked good in spring, and beat out RHP Michael Grove for the spot in the rotation. He’s sure to make the most of the playing time, and keep Gonsolin’s spot warm for his return.

As for Gonsolin, the most important thing for him is being healthy over the course of a full season. Obviously, this isn’t the start he wanted, but hopefully this is the one injury he deals with this season, and the late start to the year allows him to remain healthy for the stretch run and postseason.

Keep getting better, Tony!

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