The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation took a hit on Saturday with Dustin May recording just five outs against the Milwaukee Brewers before being removed from his outing at American Family Field.
The right-hander suffered what the team described as a “right arm injury,” but more will be known when his MRI results come back Monday. At minimum, May figures to be sidelined for more than a week after being placed on the 10-day injured list.
While the Dodgers got some bad news on that front, another pitcher seemingly is trending in the right direction. Tony Gonsolin, who was placed on the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation during the first week of April, has resumed throwing.
“The plan for us is to build Tony back up to being a starter, so you’re talking five (innings) and 75 (pitches) as the floor,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Needing to stretch out to reach those thresholds, Roberts noted that Gonsolin is still about three weeks away from returning. “That’s fair,” Roberts said.
“I think that timeline is fair. It depends on how he’s feeling. I do know the Minor League season is going to start soon and kind of is in line with his progression.”
The majority of Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A affiliates are scheduled to begin their 2021 season on Tuesday, May 4. When asked if Gonsolin will start the year in the Minors, Roberts responded with a simple “yes.”
Dodgers may initially use 4-man starting rotation with May injured
In the wake of May’s right arm injury, Roberts acknowledged the team is contemplating using a four-man starting rotation for the time being. “We’re talking through it right now,” he said.
“There’s potential weather in Chicago for that first game, which could change things as well,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Certainly with the off days looking out, four-man (rotation) could make sense.”
Dodgers probables for the series with the Chicago Cubs that begins Monday are Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw and Trevor Bauer. Julio Urias is then slated to start the Freeway Series opener on Friday.
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