Entering the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers had not seen Tony Gonsolin take the mound since August 18, 2023. After undergoing Tommy John surgery and enduring a long road to recovery, the 2022 All-Star was poised for a comeback—until a back injury in spring training delayed his return yet again.
But since finally making his season debut at the end of April, Gonsolin has steadily looked more like the pitcher who once anchored the Dodgers’ rotation.
Through three starts, Gonsolin has posted a 2.81 ERA over 16 innings, striking out 21 while walking just four. His most recent outing was particularly encouraging: on just four days’ rest, the right-hander delivered five scoreless innings, scattered three hits, and threw a season-high 84 pitches.
“Really impressed,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts following Sunday’s game. “I think the first-pitch strike is huge. He’s on the attack. He’s striking the split, shortening it. He can use a slider, curveball. He’s got a legit four-pitch mix, and today, it was actually encouraging to see him touch 95 (mph) too. Big lift for us.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Tony Gonsolin Showing Promising Signs
Gonsolin’s four-seamer averaged 93.5 mph, with his hardest pitch clocking in at 95.9 mph. Batters swung at 29 of his 84 pitches, and he generated seven whiffs, placing him in the 98th percentile for swing-and-miss rate among active pitchers.
The veteran right-hander believes he’s proving that he still has what it takes—not just to get batters out, but to be a reliable presence in the rotation.
“As these last three starts have shown, I can do it,” Gonsolin said. “I can create miss when I need to. Just missing that going deeper in the game, so hopefully we can get one of those really soon.”
Also Read: Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Gives A Massive Injury Update For The Pitching Staff
Roberts echoed that sentiment, suggesting that Gonsolin’s current form is reminiscent of his All-Star campaign.
“What he’s doing right now is showing signs of 2022,” Roberts said. “But now you also have the experience of a guy who’s seasoned and really knows what he’s capable of. It would be really helpful.”
For a Dodgers team eyeing another deep postseason run, Gonsolin’s resurgence could be coming at exactly the right time. And if his early outings are any indication, he’s only getting started.