The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Tony Gonsolin and recalled Victor Gonzalez prior to Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners.
The roster move comes a day after Gonsolin tossed six scoreless innings to help the Dodgers complete a two-game sweep of Seattle at Dodger Stadium. It matched the longest start of his career, set in 2019 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“I felt like I was filling up the strike zone. I had the one hit by pitch but for the most part throwing a lot of strikes, defense was playing really well behind me and I was able to turn it up a little bit later in the game with the fastball,” Gonsolin said after the game.
Gonsolin has yet to earn a decision in any of his three starts this season but has amassed 14.2 scoreless innings in those outings. Dating back to last season, he has not allowed a run in his last five appearances (17.2 innings).
While the right-hander has continued to impress this year, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remained noncommittal as to whether or not Gonsolin would remain in the start rotation moving forward. “We’re going to have discussions,” Roberts said after the 2-1 win.
“Obviously Tony did everything he can do, and that’s most important. We’ve got some difficult decisions. Obviously with Ross in the rotation and trying to get him untracked, with Alex coming back at some point, a taxed bullpen, there’s things we’ve got to discuss internally. We’ll do what’s best for all of us.
“Obviously, looking out, whether it’s short term or longer term, Tony certainly is going to be a big part of this.”
Gonzalez, who made his MLB debut at the end of July, joins the Dodgers for a second time this season. He allowed one run on three hits in one inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in his lone appearance for L.A. thus far.
In six Minor League seasons with the organization, Gonzalez is a combined 17-27 with a 4.34 ERA and 364 strikeouts in 112 games (76 starts). The Dodgers view Gonzalez as a starter but are resorting to using him out of the bullpen this season.
Gonsolin strong physically and mechanically
One of the more impressive aspects of Gonsolin’s start against the Mariners was touching 98 mph with his fastball late in the game. “This has always been in there. I recall a couple years ago hearing that he sat 95, 98,” Roberts said.
“There’s been a couple injuries, most recent with that oblique, and he really couldn’t get over his front side or pulling from the front side. Right now, he’s obviously in a good place.”
Gonsolin attributed the velocity to being in a good place both with his mechanics and strength. “Just ironing out some of the kinks in my delivery and all that stuff. Strength-wise I feel like I’m as strong as I’ve ever been,” he said.
“Mechanically, I feel as good as I’ve ever been. Just kind of going out there and throwing with good intent and a little extra edge definitely plays into that.”
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