After a delayed start to the season because of a minor back issue that surfaced from a workout late in Spring Training, Tony Gonsolin landed back on the 15-day injured list June 7 due to right elbow discomfort.
There was initial hope Gonsolin would not face an extended absence, but he was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 19. The Dodgers didn’t have a clear outlook for Gonsolin’s rehab process at the time, and still don’t.
He’s yet to begin a throwing program and seemingly is facing another lost season.
“We’re going to have to make a decision with Tony soon. I’m not sure what that is, but we’re going to have to make a decision at some point,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said.
Gonsolin already missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He did make a late push to become available for the postseason but the Dodgers ultimately decided to have him focus on this year.
Roberts added he wasn’t aware whether Gonsolin’s current injury has worsened or if he has simply not made enough improvement to start playing catch.
“I just know I haven’t seen or heard of him throwing yet,” Roberts said. “I know we’re waiting, but I haven’t dug in on why. “Clearly, he just doesn’t feel good to throw yet, or it might be a time situation.”
The Dodgers are in a much better position with their starting pitchers than they were when they lost Gonsolin in early June. He has thrown 36 innings with a 5.00 ERA and 1.42 WHIP across seven starts this season.
While the 31-year-old is dealing with ongoing right elbow trouble, he has stated the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) was shown to be intact by an MRI.
Since he was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 19, Gonsolin is eligible to return on Aug. 6. That of course is not within the realm of possibilities considering he hasn’t started throwing and will need to build up toward completing a rehab assignment.
Tony Gonsolin ‘frustrated’ by right elbow injury
Gonsolin has been extremely frustrated by his lack of availability for the Dodgers this season. It began with missing the first 30 games of the season because of the back trouble and now has continued with the right elbow injury.
After being placed on the IL back in June, Gonsolin was still holding out hope that he can contribute this season, but the window for him to rejoin the Dodgers is closing.
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