Dodgers Roster News: Timeline Provided For Tony Gonsolin’s Return
The Dodgers have been going with a 4-man rotation since Dustin May went down this year. And while that has worked out well enough for them thus far, it’s not sustainable throughout the entire 162-game season. Especially if they want to keep guys fresh heading into the postseason.
But the Dodgers are choosing to wait for Tony Gonsolin to be ready to go to get back to a 5-man rotation. Out since Opening Day with a shoulder issue, it’s been a slow progression for the Cat Man.
But he is nearing a return to the Dodgers big league squad. Dave Roberts gave an update on Gonsolin and what to expect from him in the coming days. Gonsolin pitched for the Triple-A team in Albuquerque on Sunday afternoon.
I think today he’s going to go 2 maybe into the 3rd inning if he’s efficient. And then it’s kind of the 5-day regiment. So the next turn will probably be 3 innings in 5 or 6 days from now. And the same thing with the progression. So once he can get to that 4 inning floor, then we can have a conversation on getting him back with us.
On that progression, Gonsolin would be ready to join the Dodgrs by around June 7th. They could also wait until the team returns home that week and give him a start against the Rangers around June 11th. Either way, he’s close but not quite there.
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Gonsolin tossed 3 scoreless innings against the Isotopes on Sunday. He threw 38 pitches, and 30 of them were for strikes. He struck out 3 and did not issue a walk for the Triple-A Dodgers.
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LA would do well to have Gonsolin be a 5th starter, but have someone like Price serve as his tandem. This way, Gonsolin can pitch his 5 innings (he’s rarely effective for more than that) and Price can pitch the last 3 or 4 innings. If either is not fully effective, LA has many options for the last inning or 2. They can also switch and have Price start.
I agree, that is a good plan. Price does need to be built up to be ablr to be a longman and spot starter