The Los Angeles Dodgers began their six-game homestand with a 5-1 win over the Chicago White Sox. Tony Gonsolin made his first start in a week, and the extra rest proved to be beneficial.
The right-hander allowed just two hits over six scoreless innings and collected six strikeouts against two walks. “I think the extra couple of days really helped me,” Gonsolin said after the game.
“For whatever reason I just didn’t come out of this last start super great and was fortunate enough to have the extra days and I think it showed today that they were very useful.”
Gonsolin made his start against the White Sox on extra rest because he hasn’t recovered well in between outings. The trouble isn’t related to his previous ankle injury, but rather a more broader issue.
“I just wasn’t bouncing back right away,” Gonsolin explained. “I don’t know, it was kind of just weird, honestly. I haven’t really experienced something like that, but I feel a lot better now and I’m ready to go.”
Gonsolin was effective against the White Sox despite his fastball velocity being down nearly 2 mph from his season average. “It is what it is,” he began. “It wasn’t that bad. I don’t think it was as low as you’re saying it is, but it worked.”
Even with his fastball velocity being slightly down, Gonsolin still provided the Dodgers with some length and avoided stress. He has now logged at least five innings in seven consecutive starts dating back to May 8.
“Yeah, definitely,” Gonsolin said when asked if he feels he has turned a corner. “Got to eliminate some of those longer innings. They had some long at-bats early, but overall very happy with with the six innings. And the bullpen needed it after the bullpen game on Sunday.”
Tony Gonsolin making next start on normal rest
As the Dodgers navigate multiple injuries to their rotation, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Gonsolin will make his next start against the San Francisco Giants on normal rest.
“Just kind of giving us and him the latitude if it didn’t go well and he needed some extra time, we were kicking that around,” Roberts said. “But coming out of tonight, we feel good with him making that start on Sunday.”
Roberts added that had Gonsolin labored against the White Sox or not been particularly sharp, the Dodgers likely would’ve delayed his next turn in the rotation.
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!
