When the Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Tony Gonsolin from the 60-day injured list in June they hoped it would mark the end of regular bullpen games. However, he’s only managed to log at least five innings in two of 10 games (nine starts).
One of those instances was last week in arguably Gonsolin’s best start of the year. He held the Colorado Rockies scoreless over 5.1 innings, allowed just two hits and two walks, and tied a season high with seven strikeouts.
But with the Dodgers needing length on the eve of another bullpen game to fill the spot of Josiah Gray in the rotation, Gonsolin managed to get all of five outs.
“Just not good. Just really bad,” Gonsolin said of his performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks. “No command at all. Just can’t happen.”
He tied a career high (set this season) with five walks. “It’s definitely similar,” Gonsolin said of his command issues Friday night compared to what he’s battled throughout most of his appearances this year.
“Trying to iron out mechanics and get into the same spot that I need to be in to compete. … Just repeat a throw. Somewhere in the delivery just be able to repeat and make competitive pitches.”
Of greater concern, however, Gonsolin revealed he occasionally deals with the effects of the right shoulder inflammation that kept him on the IL for the first six weeks of the season.
“It has its days where it doesn’t feel great but for the most part it feels good on game day,” Gonsolin said. “I’m not going to take it out of the mix (as reason for inconsistent command), but it’s no excuse to not throw strikes.”
Roberts surprised by Gonsolin’s revelation
The Dodgers were cautious in their handling of Gonsolin during his rehab process and did not rush it despite facing a glaring need. They were confident in the steps he took prior to being activated, so Roberts was surprised to hear the right shoulder may still be an issue.
“I’ll talk to the training staff,” he said.
“We never want to put any player in harm’s way. If it’s something that’s going to potentially hurt him further, we’ll have that discussion. But everything I’ve heard from him and the staff, he’s definitely healthy enough to pitch and not putting himself in harm’s way.”
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