The baseball business can be cruel sometimes. The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated right-handed starter Tony Gonsolin for assignment, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The former All-Star had elbow surgery in August and probably will be out until late 2026. Gonsolin had a 3-2 record with a 5.00 Earned Run Average in limited time in 2025.
Dodgers Designating Former All-Star For Assignment
The Dodgers designated Tony Gonsolin for assignment.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) November 6, 2025
Gonsolin Struggled To Stay Healthy
The right-hander was slated to be the Dodgers fifth starter coming into the season Unfortunately, he landed on the Injured List before Spring Training ended. He was coming off his first Tommy John surgery which made him miss all of 2024. He has had flashes of brilliance in his career when healthy. In 2022, the right-hander went 16-1 with a 2.14 Earned Run Average.
Long Man Left Off
Gonsolin was not the only one on the chopping block. Michael Grove, a journey-man reliever was also left off the 40-man roster. Grove was also coming off a major shoulder injury which has plagued him since the end of last season. It is unclear whether. or not this injury had anything to do his high E.RA. He will not be a free agent until the 2028 season.
Who Was Added to the Roster?
It appears the Dodgers needed the room on their roster. They have added Robinson Ortiz and outfielder Ryan Ward to the 40-man. This protects both players from being plucked in the Rule 5 Draft. Ortiz has been effective out of the bullpen with a 3.48 E.R.A. when healthy. He missed 2022-23 with an injury, but the Dodger relief core could use an effective arm in 2026.
Outfielder Ryan Ward tore it up offensively at Triple-A Oklahoma City last year. He was named the Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player in 2025. He was due to test free agency this year had he not been added to the roster.
One Other Note
Outfielder Justin Dean who was used as a defensive replacement during the Dodgers postseason run was claimed by the San Francisco Giants today.
Main Photo Credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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