Tony Gonsolin’s First Step Back
On Friday, Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin took a crucial step forward in his return from Tommy John surgery, pitching a scoreless first inning in an exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Gonsolin, who hasn’t pitched in a competitive big-league environment for 18 months, gave up a leadoff single to Ian Happ but quickly regained his composure. He recorded two strikeouts with well-placed split-fingered fastballs to Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Of his 18 pitches, 11 were strikes, and his fastball touched 91-92 mph. Gonsolin’s performance was a promising sign, and he expressed satisfaction with the results, despite noting that his fastball execution could use some refinement.
Manager Dave Roberts’ Positive Feedback
Manager Dave Roberts was equally optimistic about Gonsolin’s outing. Roberts, who initially planned to have Gonsolin pitch one-plus innings, decided to pull him after one inning to have him throw some extra pitches in the bullpen. Roberts praised Gonsolin’s command, consistency, and sharpness, expressing confidence in his recovery. "I think he’s in a really good spot. Given what he’s been through the last calendar year, I think he’s going to have a really good season," Roberts said. The manager’s positive assessment is a testament to Gonsolin’s resilience and the strides he has made in his rehabilitation.
A Rocky Last Start and a Long Road to Recovery
Gonsolin’s latest outing was a stark contrast to his last big-league start on August 18, 2023, when he was hammered for 10 earned runs and eight hits, including five home runs, in just 3 ⅓ innings against the Miami Marlins. Following that game, it was revealed that Gonsolin had been dealing with an arm issue for four to six weeks. Two weeks later, he underwent season-ending surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, a procedure that kept him sidelined for all of 2024. Despite this setback, Gonsolin attempted a comeback last summer, completing a throwing progression and making three rehabilitation starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he showed promise by giving up only two earned runs and striking out 12 in 7 ⅔ innings.
A Missed Postseason Opportunity
Although Gonsolin’s comeback showed promise, he was not activated for the Dodgers’ playoff run, which culminated in a World Series victory over the New York Yankees. "I think we were pretty close," Gonsolin said. "I had talks with [general manager Brandon] Gomes and Andrew [Friedman, president of baseball operations] about it. Everything played out. We were OK, and they didn’t have to use me. It turned out well." Gonsolin’s absence from the postseason was a missed opportunity, but the team’s success provided him with some solace.
A Fresh Start in Spring Training
Gonsolin’s performance this spring is a testament to his determination and the effectiveness of his rehabilitation. Roberts noted that Gonsolin looks much better now than he did during his attempted comeback in 2024. "Where he’s at now, he looks really sharp," Roberts said. "We just can’t forget how good Tony has been for us when he’s healthy. So I’m certainly not sleeping on Tony. I think he’s going to be good for us." Gonsolin, 30, was one of baseball’s best pitchers in 2022, posting a 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA in 24 starts. However, his 2023 season was marred by arm troubles, resulting in an 8-5 record and a 4.98 ERA in 20 starts. With the Dodgers’ addition of stars like Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Gonsolin is now competing for the final rotation spot, a testament to both his talent and the team’s depth.
Looking Ahead
Gonsolin acknowledges the challenges of competing for a rotation spot after being sidelined for 18 months. "Maybe a little bit," he said, admitting to feeling like a forgotten man. "Just trying to go out there and compete and see what happens." Despite the competition, Gonsolin remains focused on his performance and is determined to make a strong case for his return to the Dodgers’ starting rotation. His outing against the Cubs is a positive sign, and with continued progress, he could be a valuable asset to the team this season.
