The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing yet another challenge in their starting rotation as they navigate a season already marred by injuries. Entering the year with high hopes, the team has been forced to contend with the absence of 11 pitchers on the roster, including key player Tony Gonsolin. After spending the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Gonsolin was gearing up for a significant comeback when an unexpected setback occurred during a routine weight training session.
The 2022 All-Star pitcher suffered a back injury while performing a squat, a standard part of his strengthening routine. Although Gonsolin indicated that the weight he was lifting was not particularly heavy, he explained that his spine may have been in a compromised position prior to the movement. This minor setback has had repercussions on his throwing mechanics, prompting him to take a step back in his recovery process.
Manager Dave Roberts has emphasized the importance of Gonsolin’s role in the Dodgers’ rotation, expressing optimism for his eventual return. However, the pressing question on everyone’s mind remains: when will Gonsolin be back on the mound? Despite the frustration of encountering yet another hurdle in his recovery, the pitcher remains hopeful that the delay will be brief. “My body was great, I was feeling good, my throws were clean,” Gonsolin lamented. “It’s frustrating that this happened, especially when it wasn’t during a game.”
The silver lining for Dodgers fans is that Gonsolin only took a two-day break from throwing and has already resumed his recovery process. Last Friday, he faced live batters alongside teammate Evan Phillips, another player aiming for a return to the active roster. Moreover, veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who is also working through rehabilitation, faced batters on Saturday, signaling positive developments for the team’s starting lineup.
Roberts has indicated that once Gonsolin receives medical clearance, he will be reintegrated into the Dodgers’ starting rotation. The team is even considering the implementation of a six-pitcher rotation to alleviate wear and tear throughout the lengthy season. Gonsolin expressed confidence in this approach, noting that the arrangement would allow him to return without rushing his recovery. “Knowing that there is a spot available and that I can fit into it without having to rush my recovery process takes some of the pressure off,” he stated.
While there is no definitive timeline for Gonsolin’s return, the Dodgers remain optimistic that he will be back in action sooner rather than later. As the team grapples with the challenges of a diminished pitching staff, fans are left wondering whether the rotation can maintain its strength in Gonsolin’s absence. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Dodgers as they strive to overcome this latest obstacle and keep their playoff aspirations alive.
