Tony Gonsolin is back.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitcher began the 2025 season on the injured list with a back injury. He also missed all of 2024 while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and had not made a start since August of 2023.
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However, Gonsolin has looked sharp in his three return starts and has caught the attention of manager Dave Roberts:
“I think that what he’s doing right now is signs of 2022, and also, you have the experience of a guy that is seasoned, really knows what he’s capable of. It would be really helpful,” Roberts said, according to Dodgers Nation.
That magical 2022 campaign saw Gonsolin earn his first and only all-star nod, going a ridiculous 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA and a 3.28 FIP over 130 and 1/3 innings. Gonsolin would have received top Cy Young votes had he pitched more.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin (26) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field.Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
While this year has not been quite up to that 2022 peak, Gonsolin is still rebounding nicely after such a long time away from the mound. He is 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA, a 2.86 FIP, and 21 strikeouts to four walks over 16 innings.
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His mid-90s fastball velocity has taken a bit of a hit, but it has not affected his performance. Gonsolin utilizes a splitter/slider/curve combination to offset his four-seamer and has shown signs of his old, dominant self.
This form could not come at a better time as the Dodgers’ rotation and bullpen have been decimated by injuries, mainly to Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Evan Phillips. Gonsolin is still a middle-of-the-staff arm and demonstrates impressive depth for Los Angeles.
When fully healthy, there may not even be a spot for Gonsolin as a starter. But if he can continue to mow down lineups, Roberts will have to keep him in the mix.
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