While the Los Angeles Dodgers finalized their roster move to call up Dustin May for his MLB debut on Friday night, the club additionally recalled Tony Gonsolin from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He returned two days after being optioned by replacing Hyun-Jin Ryu, who went on the 10-day injured list.
“He pitched in Colorado and then woke up [Thursday] with something in his neck. He’s going to miss his start, and I don’t think it will be that big of a deal,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of sidelining Ryu because of the neck stiffness.
“Where we’re at, with his neck, just didn’t want to compromise anything.”
Gonsolin threw a bullpen session on the mound at Dodger Stadium, with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Roberts and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt among those keeping watch. In Roberts’ case it entailed stepping into the batter’s box.
Having last pitched on Tuesday — completing a four-inning save — Gonsolin is expected to start in Ryu’s place when the Dodgers begin their series with the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.
The start will be Gonsolin’s second in his young career. He was knocked around a bit in his MLB debut, though much of that came in odd fashion. Gonsolin was much more improved against the Colorado Rockies, which Roberts recognized.
“I think he had a chance to settle in more,” he said. “I think the stuff as far as fastball command was better in Colorado. It was good to see him mix in his breaking ball. I know he didn’t lose confidence but to go out there and throw four innings with one run, was really good for him.”
Ryu is to miss just one start because of the neck trouble. He affirmed the discomfort was contained to his neck and not spreading, like what transpired with Ross Stripling. Ryu added he should return without first needing to go on a rehab assignment.
Although Gonsolin is receiving another opportunity to make a spot start, he and May remain under consideration for potential roles out of the bullpen come the postseason. How it ultimately settles depends in part on the health of Scott Alexander, Rich Hill and Stripling.
