Already without Walker Buehler for the rest of the year because he underwent a second Tommy John surgery in addition to a right flexor tendon repair, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost Tony Gonsolin to the 15-day injured list at the beginning of the week due to a forearm strain.
Although a forearm injury for a pitcher can be a precursor to serious trouble, Gonsolin and the Dodgers originally downplayed concern and maintained much of the reasoning behind an IL stint was precautionary. They also felt an MRI wasn’t necessary after manual tests on the right elbow and forearm didn’t suggest signs of a more pressing matter.
The Dodgers recalled Michael Grove to make a start in Gonsolin’s place, and now welcome back Clayton Kershaw on Thursday.
However, Gonsolin’s arm has not progressed the way the club hoped, so he is now set to undergo an MRI and he has not been cleared to resume throwing, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Tony Gonsolin’s arm isn’t quite responding yet and he remains shut down. Dave Roberts said he will go for an MRI when the team gets back to LA.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 1, 2022
Gonsolin leads the National League in wins (16), ERA (2.10), WHIP (0.86) and batting average against (.169). However, he currently does not have enough innings pitched to appear on qualified leaderboards.
Gonsolin nonetheless has set a career-high with 128.1 innings, which had the Dodgers mindful of managing his workload heading into the final month of the regular season.
When will Tony Gonsolin return?
The Dodgers backdated Gonsolin’s IL stint to Aug. 26, which makes Saturday, Sept. 10 the earliest he can return. The 28-year-old and Roberts have suggested an activation would take place on the first day Gonsolin is eligible, but that is now unlikely.
While the Dodgers still hope he can return this season, there will be more clarity once he undergoes the MRI. Additionally, his injury has seemingly ruled out the possibility of using the six-man starting rotation that had been under consideration.
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