The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed Tony Gonsolin back to their rotation this year after he missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
There was a slight potential for Gonsolin to return last October as the Dodgers dealt with mounting injuries within their starting group, but it was ultimately decided to have him focus on this year.
That unfortunately didn’t get far, as Gonsolin began the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list because of a minor back issue. He then made just seven starts before landing back on the IL due to right elbow discomfort.
After a prolonged stretch of minimal to no activity, Gonsolin has officially been ruled out from returning during the 2025 season.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedamn revealed Gonsolin underwent right elbow surgery on Tuesday, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Andrew Friedman said Tony Gonsolin had an elbow surgery today. Internal brace and flexor repair. He was a long shot to return this year anyway, but that officially ends his season. Recovery timeline is 8-10 months
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 13, 2025
It already was becoming apparent that Gonsolin was running short on time to return at some point this year.
“We’re going to have to make a decision with Tony soon. I’m not sure what that is, but we’re going to have to make a decision at some point,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said last month.
At the time, Roberts added he wasn’t aware whether Gonsolin’s injury had worsened or if he simply had not made enough improvement to start playing catch.
“I just know I haven’t seen or heard of him throwing yet,” Roberts said. “I know we’re waiting, but I haven’t dug in on why. “Clearly, he just doesn’t feel good to throw yet, or it might be a time situation.”
Gonsolin went 3-2 with a 5.00 ERA, 5.99 FIP and 1.42 WHIP this season. Given the timeline for return from internal brace surgery, he doesn’t figure to pitch again for the Dodgers until the middle of the 2026 season.
Tony Gonsolin hoped for quick return
At the time of going on the injured list, Gonsolin expressed frustration with his lack of availability for the Dodgers this season. At the time he was also maintaining initial optimism of pitching again in 2025.
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