The Los Angeles Dodgers nearly called upon Tony Gonsolin late last year amid their rash of injuries, but the team ultimately decided not to be aggressive with his return from Tommy John surgery.
So Gonsolin went into the offseason with more time to continue getting healthy and in good shape come the start of Spring Training. He was among the candidates to be named the Dodgers’ fifth starter, competing at one point with Dustin May and Bobby Miller.
But a back issue that stemmed from lifting weights eliminated Gonsolin from consideration and he is poised to start the season on the 15-day injured list, per Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group
Fellow fifth-starter candidate Tony Gonsolin tweaked his back lifting weights in recent days, making the Dodgers’ decision an easier one. Roberts said Gonsolin will open the season on the injured list and will remain in Arizona to resume his progression toward being a starter.
It’s not clear when Gonsolin suffered the back injury, but his last Cactus League appearance came Feb. 26. It was an encouraging outing out of the bullpen as Gonsolin allowed just one hit over two innings.
The right-hander also gave up one hit in a scoreless inning when he started against the Chicago Cubs on Feb. 21.
While the back trouble is a disappointing development, remaining at Camelback Ranch was going to be in his future even if being named the to the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation.
Dodgers starters on the travel roster to pitch in Japan are Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. Snell and Glasnow are pitching in the exhibition games at the Tokyo Dome in some order.
Tony Gonsolin’s injury benefits Dustin May
Gonsolin may not have necessarily been guaranteed the Dodgers’ fifth starter spot, but with not being physically able to continue competing, May was named to the role.
Miller had already fallen out of contention when his spring was interrupted due to being hit in the head by a comebacker.
The Dodgers have not specified on the severity of Gonsolin’s, but the back trouble nevertheless creates another obstacle for the 30-year-old who was already feeling slightly overlooked.
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