Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — With just seven games remaining in the 2024 regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are focused on making their final push toward the postseason. The team has faced significant challenges, particularly with injuries to their pitching staff, but there is reason for optimism. Right-hander Tony Gonsolin could make his return to the mound in time for October, offering a much-needed boost to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
Gonsolin, who has been sidelined for most of the season following Tommy John surgery, has been ramping up his rehab assignments. Manager Dave Roberts shared an encouraging update on Saturday after the Dodgers’ loss to the Colorado Rockies. “He’s been good, so we’ve just got to keep building him up,” Roberts said. “If this one goes well, then I think a conversation about him joining us at some point is more tangible.”
Gonsolin’s latest rehab outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City was promising. He pitched three innings, allowing just one walk while striking out six batters, his best performance since beginning his rehab. The 30-year-old tossed 45 pitches in the outing, showing steady progress as he works his way back from surgery. This marks Gonsolin’s third rehab start, and it seems he is close to being ready for a return to the Dodgers roster.
Roberts noted the importance of having Gonsolin back, whether as a starter or in a bullpen role. “The great thing about Tony is that he’s done both, and I think they both have their own value,” Roberts said. “No. 1 is to get him right, get him built up, and then we’ll kind of assess where our staff is at, in its totality.”
While it remains unlikely that Gonsolin will return to his usual starting position given the timing and his recovery progress, his ability to contribute out of the bullpen could be invaluable as the Dodgers prepare for a deep postseason run. The team has been hit hard by injuries to key pitchers, and with Shohei Ohtani’s odds of pitching in October looking slim, Gonsolin’s return could fill a critical gap.
The Dodgers’ pitching woes have been a central storyline throughout the season. Injuries to several starters, including Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow, have tested the depth of the pitching staff. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have remained competitive, thanks in part to contributions from younger pitchers and timely performances from veterans.
Gonsolin, a former 2022 MLB All-Star, could provide the stability and experience the team needs heading into the playoffs. In 2023, before undergoing surgery, Gonsolin recorded an 8-5 record with a 4.98 ERA and 82 strikeouts. While those numbers were not up to his usual standards, his potential to contribute in high-leverage situations could be crucial for the Dodgers’ playoff aspirations.
As the postseason looms, the Dodgers will continue to monitor Gonsolin’s progress closely. His return could provide a much-needed lift for a pitching staff that has faced adversity all season long. For now, the team is hopeful that Gonsolin’s rehab continues to go smoothly and that he can rejoin the Dodgers in time to make a meaningful impact in October.
With the final week of the regular season underway, the Dodgers are looking to lock in their postseason spot and position themselves for success. Having Tony Gonsolin back in some capacity would be a significant step in bolstering the team’s chances for a deep playoff run.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
