When Tony Gonsolin underwent Tommy John surgery last September, it was with the expectation he would miss the entire 2024 season but likely be fully recovered once the ensuing Spring Training began.
But less than a year removed from the operation, Gonsolin was deemed a potential option for the Dodgers bullpen. Manager Dave Roberts did note that Gonsolin returning in 2024 wasn’t necessarily a likely outcome.
However, that was followed by the right-hander beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Gonsolin is poised to make a third start for the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, and if he reaches the target goal of four innings, the Dodgers will then evaluate their options, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“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 is the listed probable for Saturday’s game against the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels affiliate).
The 30-year-old started against the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners affiliate) on Sept 10. and allowed two hits over two scoreless innings in what was his first game since Aug. 18, 2023 with the Dodgers.
Gonsolin then labored a bit through 2.2 innings five days later as he allowed two runs on five hits. Seven of the 15 hitters Gonsolin faced reached base safely.
Gonsolin is in a similar situation to Walker Buehler last year when he was coming off a second Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair. Buehler made one rehab start with Oklahoma City before ending his pursuit of a return to focus on 2024.
“I think they’re a little different,” Roberts said of the two players’ respective rehab assignments. “I think we were really careful with Walker in the sense of what it could do for the following year, which is this year.
“I think with Tony, in the same vain a little bit, but I don’t think Walker was doing a three-inning rehab outing like this. Tony’s pitched out of the ‘pen, Walker did it his rookie year, but again, I still think it’s unlikely. But I applaud Tony for really trying to be a potential option.”
What role would Tony Gonsolin have?
When the possibility of Gonsolin pitching in 2024 was first discussed, Roberts said it would be as a relief pitcher. While that is still under consideration, the Dodgers may ultimately choose to utilize him as an opener who can pitch multiple innings but not be fully built up like a traditional starter.
Either scenario could be a boost for the team considering Tyler Glasnow is out through the postseason and there’s uncertainty with Clayton Kershaw and Gavin Stone.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
