TL;DR - Scouting Report
Tony Gonsolin, the Dodgers’ forgotten All-Star, is fighting to reclaim his spot after Tommy John surgery. With a star-studded rotation and fierce competition, can he rise to the challenge? Plus, updates on Bobby Miller, Roki Sasaki, and more.
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!Tony Gonsolin, the Dodgers’ 2022 All-Star pitcher, is back on the mound after a grueling recovery from Tommy John surgery. But in a rotation now packed with blockbuster acquisitions like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Gonsolin finds himself fighting to reclaim his place in a team that nearly called on him during a desperate playoff push last fall.
A Near Postseason Return
Last October, as the Dodgers battled pitching shortages, Gonsolin was surprisingly close to being activated for the postseason. Despite throwing only 7⅔ innings in Triple-A rehab games, the team considered him an emergency option. “We were pretty close,” Gonsolin admitted. “I had talks with [GM] Brandon Gomes and Andrew [Friedman] about it.” Ultimately, the Dodgers won the World Series without him, but the experience fueled his determination to return stronger.
Spring Success and Rotation Competition
Gonsolin made his first spring appearance on Friday, throwing a scoreless inning against the Chicago Cubs. His fastball hit the low 90s, and his signature splitter, slider, and curveball looked sharp. “It was cool to be back in a real game,” he said. However, with the Dodgers adding Snell, Yamamoto, and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki this offseason, Gonsolin is now competing with Dustin May for the final rotation spot.
Bobby Miller’s Close Call
In another dramatic moment, young starter Bobby Miller was struck in the head by a 106 mph line drive during his spring debut. Miraculously, he escaped with only a headache and no fractures. “I’ve got a hard head,” Miller joked. He remains in concussion protocol but is optimistic about resuming his throwing program soon.
Injury Updates and Pitching Depth
The Dodgers’ pitching staff is a mix of star power and injury concerns. While recovering from a shoulder ligament tear, Evan Phillips threw his first bullpen session but won’t be ready for Opening Day. Similarly, Michael Kopech, acquired last season, is expected to start the season on the injured list as he builds up his workload. Meanwhile, prospects like River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, and Kyle Hurt are sidelined with long-term injuries, underscoring the team’s need for depth.
Roki Sasaki’s Surprise Marriage
Adding to the offseason drama, Roki Sasaki shocked teammates by announcing his marriage on Instagram. The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, who signed with the Dodgers this winter, revealed the news just as spring training began. “I think it’s something really special,” Sasaki said, emphasizing the support of his new wife as he adjusts to life in the majors.
The Road Ahead
The competition for rotation spots is fierce as the Dodgers prepare for another championship run. Gonsolin, once a cornerstone of the staff, is now a forgotten All-Star fighting to prove he still belongs. With a mix of veteran stars, rising talents, and injury recoveries, the Dodgers’ pitching staff is their greatest strength and their biggest question mark.
