Tony Gonsolin began the 2023 season on the 15-day injured list because of a left ankle sprain suffered during Spring Training, and his return was accelerated due to mounting in the starting rotation.
Gonsolin’s rehab assignment was all of one start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, and that was thought to be the reason for some rust upon getting activated. However, inconsistent performances were attributed to Gonsolin struggling to recover physically between outings.
That came to a head earlier this month when the Dodgers placed Gonsolin on the 15-day injured list due right elbow inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts said Gonsolin was unlikely to return this season but more clarity would be gained after he met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Although Roberts still did not provide details, he revealed Gonsolin may require surgery that would impact his availability in 2024, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
Tony Gonsolin visited Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles to get scans done on his pitching arm, which has been bothering him all season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t want to get into the specifics of the injury yet, but the right-hander will be out for the remainder of the 2023 season and surgery is likely on the table for Gonsolin. Depending on the final diagnosis, Gonsolin’s timetable for the ‘24 season will be affected.
After multiple weeks of declining to discuss his ailment, Gonsolin recently alluded to experiencing right elbow trouble. He previously dealt with a right forearm strain last season and despite turning in a first career All-Star campaign, only signed a two-year, $6.65 million contract extension to avoid arbitration.
Gonsolin continued pitching through his elbow/forearm issue because the Dodgers received assurances from their medical staff that he was not at risk of further injury.
The 29-year-old went 8-5 with a 4.98 ERA and 1.22 WHIP this season.
Tony Gonsolin contract incentives
Gonsolin’s contract extension included performance bonuses based on a points system for starts, or relief appearances of 3.1 innings. His 2024 base salary was set at $3.4 million, but Gonsolin wound up earning an additional $2 million by making 20 starts this season.
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