Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin likely won’t be on the postseason roster, per manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts stated “Unless something really unforeseen happens,” Gonsolin won’t be an option for the NLDS. However, he will continue throwing.
Roberts told reporters Friday that the expected rotation includes Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and rookie Landon Knack.
Gonsolin made his return to the mound at the beginning of September. The rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City pointed toward a hopeful comeback for the right-hander.
Throughout his three-game rehab stint, Gonsolin punched 12 strikeouts and allowed two runs on seven hits through 7.2 innings of work.
The rehab assignment was a step in the right direction for Gonsolin, a pitcher who originally wasn’t going to return in 2024. However, in a time of need, the dwindling Dodgers rotation turned to the right-hander for a possible October role.
Roberts’ latest update regarding the 30-year-old pivots back to square one. If this season has taught us anything it’s this: the unforeseen does happen.
Given the unprecedented number of injuries this season, especially to the Dodgers rotation, it wouldn’t be a long shot to think Gonsolin may have to step up for the club at some point in the postseason.
The original rotation was supposed to include Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Gavin Stone, and Bobby Miller. Glasnow, Kershaw, and Stone are all dealing with injuries. Miller was sent back to Triple-A.
The unforeseen certainly has happened this season. Only time will tell if the trend will continue, but the Dodgers need to be ready for anything.
This season has put the depth of the roster to the test. Thus far, the Dodgers have managed the challenges well. They’ll have to continue to do so in the postseason for Los Angeles to make a deep playoff run.
It’s evident the 2024 Dodgers are willing to fight for what they want. The Dodgers clinched the division in a season that most people didn’t expect them to. Although Los Angeles has a star-studded lineup, injuries have plagued the clubhouse for the majority of the season.
Although key starters like Gonsolin won’t have an October role, things certainly feel different this year. There’s a certain level of passion that exists in the Dodgers clubhouse this season and it’s infectious.
