Expectations were high for Tony Gonsolin heading into 2023 after an All-Star year, but that is being delayed after the Los Angeles Dodgers starter suffered a sprained left ankle.
Gonsolin sprained his ankle while walking off the field during a workout at Camelback Ranch and the injury seems to be more serious than the club originally hoped. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts first believed the sprain was more on the minor side, but Gonsolin is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.
There isn’t a clear timetable for when the right-hander will return, but Roberts indicated it’s going to take some time, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“It’s gonna be a slow process,” manager Dave Roberts said.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Gonsolin has been progressing, and he has continued to keep his arm working, which should help speed up his return when he is able to get back on the mound:
Gonsolin, who on Friday declined to talk to reporters about his injury, has made small strides since first getting hurt. After needing crutches earlier this week, he was back to walking around the Dodgers facility on Friday with a far less noticable limp.
He has also done some “simulated throwing,” according to Roberts, to keep his arm fresh.
The 28-year-old started just one game this spring before the injury, which saw him throw 2.1 scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He got through the outing unscathed despite allowing three hits and issuing two walks.
How will Dodgers replace Tony Gonsolin?
Without him in the Opening Day rotation, the Dodgers will likely rely on Ryan Pepiot or Michael Grove to fill his innings, and it could potentially open the door for both of them to make the roster, with one working out of the bullpen.
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