Earlier this season Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman did not rule out the possibility of Tony Gonsolin or Dustin May making their respective MLB debut this season and playing a key role out of the bullpen.
That appeared to become more of a likelihood when the Dodgers decided against parting with their top prospects in exchange for a high-impact relief pitcher at the July 31 trade deadline. To that point both Gonsolin and May had appeared in multiple games.
While the initial thought process had the rookies possibly contributing out of the bullpen, Rich Hill’s forearm injury created somewhat of a need in the starting rotation as well. As a result, Gonsolin and May essentially are auditioning for either role.
With roughly one month remaining in the regular season, Gonsolin said his focus is on pitching and not what the front office may ultimately decide with respect to a postseason roster, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“I try not to think about October. Ideally we get there and then when it comes to getting a roster spot, it’s up to them. I’ve just got to go out every day and do what I can do.”
Friday’s start against the Arizona Diamondbacks was Gonsolin’s fifth and sixth overall game. He continues to strive for consistency each time out:
“I think the biggest thing is just executing pitches. I think going day-to-day and figuring out the best way to be as consistent as possible is a huge part of it.”
Gonsolin issued a leadoff walk in the first inning but didn’t allow a hit until Eduardo Escobar’s one-out double in the fourth. Gonsolin allowed another double and walked a batter in the fifth inning, but again wiggled out of trouble to preserve the Dodgers’ 3-0 lead.
Although starting to appear a bit fatigued, Gonsolin began the sixth inning. He walked the leadoff man and surrendered a two-run home run to Escobar, marking the end of his night. Even with the disappointing finish — and Dodgers’ loss — Gonsolin rebounded from a disastrous MLB debut at Chase Field.
Since allowing six runs (four earned) in four innings, the rookie right-hander has held opponents to a .174 batting average and pitched to a 1.88 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in five games (four starts) since.
