Tony Gonsolin was considered a question mark in the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation heading into the 2022 regular season, but he’s put right shoulder trouble behind him and is making a case to earn a first career All-Star Game selection.
Gonsolin began the season as the frontend of a piggyback tandem with Tyler Anderson, and now both pitchers have emerged as the Dodgers’ most consistent and successful starters. Gonsolin added to his impressive season by holding the Chicago White Sox to one run over six innings.
The performance extended his career-best streak of consecutive starts with at least six innings pitched to five. Gonsolin has grown his spotlight this year but it has not necessarily been an eye-opening campaign for the Dodgers clubhouse.
Following their 4-1 win at Guaranteed Rate Field, Cody Bellinger said he was not shocked by Gonsolin, via SportsNet LA:
“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised. I could be wrong, but I feel like he was dealing with some injuries in the past. His stuff has always been good. I just think he’s confident in his stuff right now and it’s showing.”
Bellinger went on to add comfort level and confidence have been key for Gonsolin:
“I think as you get comfortable on the team, in the clubhouse and on the field, he’s a confident dude and he’s showing it in his stuff right now.”
Backed by home runs from Will Smith and Bellinger in the first two innings, Gonsolin retired 12 of the first 14 batters faced. Jake Burger’s leadoff home run in the fifth got the White Sox on the board.
It nearly led to more trouble for Gonsolin as Gavin Sheets followed with a double and AJ Pollock walked. However, the 26-year-old stranded both runners and remained in the game in the sixth inning to retire the side in order.
Gonsolin set All-Star Game goal
While completing offseason workouts and trying to move on from last year’s injuries, Gonsolin set a personal goal of making the 2022 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.
With a win against the White Sox, he improved to 7-0 and owns a National League-leading 1.58 ERA.
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