Tony Gonsolin’s Ankle Injury Not Expected to Keep Him Off Dodgers Opening Day Roster

The Dodgers were hit with yet another unlucky injury blow when All-Star RHP Tony Gonsolin hurt his ankle in practice on Monday. Gonsolin went back to the clubhouse for further testing, and the team determined that he suffered an ankle sprain. Dave Roberts didn’t sound too concerned about the injury, however, Gonsolin was scratched from his scheduled start in Wednesday’s Cactus League game.

Roberts lack of concern is definitely a good sign, but he did make it clear that the team will monitor his progress before they give a real estimation on when he could return. But the good news is Roberts described his status as “day to day,” per Doug Padilla of the Orange County Register and that it’s just a mild ankle sprain. He also said the team “feels good” about Gonsolin’s chances of starting the season on the Opening Day roster, per Jack Harris of the LA Times.

While the Dodgers do have some starting pitching depth in the form of young players Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove, the team doesn’t really want to start the season with one of their injury-prone pitchers already on the injured list. Of course, this was a fluke injury for Gonsolin, but after starting last season as one of the best pitchers in baseball, he ended it injured and unable to contribute when the team needed it most.

Hopefully this ankle injury doesn’t linger, and Gonsolin is back throwing sooner rather than later. While he likely won’t feel the injury in a few weeks, the other concern is that it would affect his ramp up before his first start of the season.

But again, Roberts’ recent comments have to make you feel good, as he expects Gonsolin to be on the roster come Opening Day. So for now, let’s assume that Roberts is, in fact, correct, and Gonsolin will make his first scheduled start in the regular season.

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