Right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin will return to the Los Angeles Dodgers roster after one more start at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. Manager Dave Roberts said that Gonsolin will go four innings in that start and he could be an option for the Dodgers after that. It is unclear whether the right-hander would serve as a starter or a reliever, as his role on the postseason roster is yet to be determined.
Tony Gonsolin will throw another outing with OKC (four innings), but could be an option for the Dodgers after that, Dave Roberts said. Whether that’s starting or relieving is TBD. Not a guarantee he’s a postseason option, but they’re keeping the door open.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 17, 2024
Tony Gonsolin Nearing Return for Dodgers
Another Victim of Tommy John
Gonsolin has been out since August of last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. It appears that the right-hander, who struggled mightily last year, may have been pitching hurt. He had an 8-5 record with a 4.98 ERA. In his last start of the year, he gave up 10 runs to the Miami Marlins. By contrast, in 2022, the first-time All-Star had an ERA of 2.14 with a record of 16-1 in 24 starts.
Road to Recovery
In his two rehab outings thus far, the right-hander has gone 4 2/3 innings, allowing 2 earned runs and one walk while striking out six.
All Arms on Deck
With staff ace Tyler Glasnow out for the year with an elbow injury and future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw‘s return unlikely, the Dodgers need all the help they can get in terms of pitching. Even with the return of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the steady starts of Jack Flaherty, the Dodgers are still looking to fill out their postseason rotation. Luckily, Walker Buehler showed promise against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. He got through six innings and giving up just two earned runs.
Bobby Miller has been given opportunities to impress but has struggled. The young right-hander has given up five runs in nearly every start since his return from the IL. Most of those runs came off the home run ball.
Predicting the Near Future
It is safe to say that if the Dodgers want to avoid an early postseason exit this year, they need healthy and effective arms, even if it comes from an unlikely candidate. Tony Gonsolin being effective upon his return would be a very promising sign.
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