The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Tony Gonsolin off the 15-day injured list and optioned Andre Jackson to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies.
Gonsolin returns after missing five weeks while recovering from a right forearm strain. The Dodgers initially believed his absence would be a short period but Gonsolin dealt with lingering discomfort that slowed his throwing progression.
After completing multiple bullpen sessions and facing batters in a simulated game, Gonsolin was cleared to begin a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City.
That wound up being just one start in which he allowed a base hit but still faced the minimum over two scoreless innings. It has Gonsolin in position to throw three innings in his return to the Dodgers rotation on Monday.
Assuming he again doesn’t suffer any setbacks, Gonsolin would likely be among the four starters potentially needed in the National League Division Series.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has already made it clear Gonsolin will not be stretched out to a full starter’s workload come the playoffs. That may require the Dodgers to pair Gonsolin with Andrew Heaney as a piggyback, or potentially use an opener before having the right-hander enter out of the bullpen.
Gonsolin is 16-1 with a 2.10 ERA, 3.33 FIP and 0.87 WHIP over 23 starts this season. He earned a first career All-Star Game selection and was leading the National League at the time of going on the IL but no longer has enough innings to qualify.
Julio Urías now is in position to finish with the NL ERA crown.
Andre Jackson gave Dodgers bullpen needed rest
Jackson is off the Dodgers roster just one day after getting recalled as the corresponding move to Michael Grove being put on the IL because of a left knee contusion.
Jackson followed Tyler Anderson’s start with four innings to give the Dodgers bullpen a reprieve.
This marks a sixth time Jackson has been optioned, but five of those have now come since the May 2 date when MLB began enforcing the new Minor League options limit.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
