The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Tony Gonsolin to their alternate training site as they wrap up Summer Camp workouts at Dodger Stadium. The move further suggests Gonsolin won’t be included on the club’s 30-man active roster for Opening Day.
Gonsolin was among the several Dodgers who were late in reporting to Summer Camp for an undisclosed reason. Kenley Jansen and AJ Pollock have since both revealed their respective delays was due to contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Gonsolin, like Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez and Keibert Ruiz, has yet to speak with media. The right-hander also didn’t appear in any of the team’s intrasquad games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Friday that Gonsolin has “looked good” during his bullpen sessions thus far. “Just build up and giving him an opportunity to throw more innings,” Roberts explained of the decision.
Although Gonsolin was optioned, he remained at Dodger Stadium to participate in a simulated game.
Even as it was becoming apparent he would not be included on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster as the fifth starter, Roberts had previously indicated the right-handed pitching prospect is likely to make an impact at some point in 2020.
“Obviously we see Tony as a starting pitcher but has a lot of versatility,” Roberts said. “Anything can happen, we haven’t set our roster yet, but I certainly see Tony of huge value for us in some capacity throughout the season.”
Gonsolin made his MLB debut last season, appearing in 11 games (six starts) and going 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA.
Dodgers pitchers behind in Summer Camp
Walker Buehler pitching in Friday’s intrasquad scrimmage marked his first time appearing in a game. That put him a step ahead of Alexander and Gonsolin, among others. Joe Kelly is one of multiple relievers who has made limited appearances.
“It’s certainly not ideal,” Roberts acknowledged. “But I think with certain guys that have pitched in the big leagues for years, you have more confidence that yes, we haven’t checked the boxes you would like to going into a season, but I think there’s a lot of players in that situation.
“I think for us, No. 1, if they’re healthy, and with the expanded roster we can watch their workload and manage them accordingly. The back-to-backs, multiple innings, guys like that it’s certainly nice to check those boxes. It’s not ideal but I still feel confident they’ll be ready to go.”
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