Tony Gonsolin Shakes Off Rust, Throws Strong Third Rehab Start for Dodgers
Tony Gonsolin appears ready to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a successful third and, hopefully, final rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.
Gonsolin pitched extremely well against the Los Angeles Angels Triple-A affiliate Salt Lake Bees going three scoreless, hitless innings.
Gonsolin faced 10 batters, allowing just one two-out walk in the third inning while retiring the other nine. Out of his 45 pitches, he induced 10 misses.
“He’s been good, so we’ve just got to keep building him up,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, as shown on SportsNet LA. “If this one goes well, a conversation with him joining us at some point is more tangible.”
Manager Dave Roberts told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register that Gonsolin is “still a longshot” to figure into the Dodgers’ plans but numerous injuries and the unlikelihood that some of the starters return at all this season, that could change.
It is still unclear if Tyler Glansow or Gavin Stone return for the postseason.
“The landscape has changed since we talked about Tony,” Roberts said. “So with that, it’s still a longer shot, but I’m really impressed that Tony has taken this really seriously as a potential opportunity. He’s gonna take another one, and we’ll see from there.”
Gonsolin could return in either a starting role or in the bullpen. He has done both in his career.
“The beautiful thing about Tony is he’ll do anything we ask,” Roberts said. “He has pitched in both roles.”
Roberts also mentioned the potential for Gonsolin to be in a ‘bulk’ role in that situation.
“If that’s where we’re at, that’s what we’ll do,” Roberts said. “Whatever gives us the best chance to win a particular game is what we’re gonna do.”
Gonsolin made his first rehab start on Sept. 10, pitching two innings. He gave up three hits, struck out three, and didn’t allow an earned run or give out a free pass.
It was a promising return for the 30-year-old, who has been sidelined all season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Gonsolin had surgery in 2023 after battling arm issues and forearm inflammation all season. While he posted an ERA below 3.25 in his first four MLB seasons, 2023 was a struggle. He finished the year with a 4.98 ERA. His last start saw him give up 10 earned runs before heading to the IL and eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery.
When healthy, Gonsolin is a key part of the Dodgers’ rotation. In 2022, he was lights out, starting 11-0 and finishing 16-1. He posted a career-best 2.14 ERA, struck out 119 batters, and earned an All-Star Game appearance.
Photo Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
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