The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without Tony Gonsolin for the start of the season after he suffered a sprained left ankle while walking off the field during a workout earlier this month.
The Dodgers were initially optimistic that Gonsolin would only miss a short amount of time, but manager Dave Roberts has since acknowledged his recovery will be more drawn out.
The right-hander was ruled out from being included on the Dodgers Opening Day roster but he resumed throwing from flat ground last week and is continuing to make progress.
Gonsolin provided an update and said he is inching closer toward throwing off a mound for the first time since his injury, via SportsNet LA:
“It’s getting better. It was a rough couple days right after it happened. I couldn’t really put pressure on it, but getting better and getting in the swing of things. I started running a couple days ago, so I think that’s a big step. The next thing is mound work.”
Gonsolin threw a bullpen session at Camelback Ranch on Friday and kept his arm moving — even when he wasn’t able to put pressure on the balky ankle — and believes it will allow him to return quicker than expected:
“I think the best thing about it is I never really stopped throwing. I was fortunate enough to be able to do some throwing on one leg and keeping pressure off my ankle. So I was able to keep my arm moving. Throwing has been feeling great, my arm has been feeling pretty good. We’re just trying to build up some of that capacity for my ankle to take more pressure and withstand running and all that stuff. It’s been a long, slow buildup so far but it’s getting better every day.”
Given his projected timeline, Gonsolin likely won’t pitch again in Cactus League play. However, he conceivably could start in a B game prior and presumably remain in extended Spring Training once the regular season begins.
Gonsolin threw 2.1 scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels in his only Cactus League start this spring. He got through the outing unscathed despite allowing three hits and issuing two walks.
How the Dodgers are replacing Tony Gonsolin
Gonsolin not being ready for Opening Day created an opportunity for Michael Grove, Ryan Pepiot and potentially Andre Jackson to fill in for the time being.
The Dodgers ultimately decided on Pepiot in what was a close race with Grove.
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!
