Just a few months into the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching depth has already been stretched to its limit. The latest setback came with right-hander Tony Gonsolin, who was placed on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his throwing elbow—a worrisome development for a pitcher just returning from Tommy John surgery.
Gonsolin had already missed the first month of the season while recovering from that procedure, along with some minor back issues that cropped up late in spring training. Though he returned to the rotation in May, his performance remained uneven, posting a 3-2 record with a 5.00 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP over 36 innings. He allowed nine home runs and issued 18 walks in that span, often struggling to find his command early in outings.
Dodgers Receive Encouraging News on Tony Gonsolin’s Elbow, But Questions Remain
The initial concern, understandably, centered on whether his surgically repaired elbow had sustained further damage. However, the Dodgers may have avoided the worst-case scenario—at least for now. As reported by Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Gonsolin’s ulnar collateral ligament remains intact.
“The UCL is intact, which is great news,” Roberts said. “He’s going to be down from throwing. I don’t know when that is going to be again. I think the main takeaway is the UCL is intact.”
Though Roberts didn’t provide a timetable for Gonsolin’s return, the absence of structural damage offers some relief. The elbow pain could stem from residual scar tissue or general inflammation—common post-operative hurdles. Roberts suggested the discomfort may not have been caused by one specific incident but rather by the cumulative stress of building back up after surgery.
For now, Gonsolin has been shut down from throwing as the medical staff aims to manage the pain through rest and rehabilitation. He’s expected to be evaluated further by specialists to ensure no underlying issues were missed.
Dodgers Bigger Picture Amid Pitcher Injuries
Still, Gonsolin’s injury is just one piece of a larger puzzle. He became the 14th pitcher—and the eighth starter—on the Dodgers’ injured list. Fellow rotation members Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki are also sidelined, while the bullpen remains without key arms like Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips.
Despite the mounting injuries, the Dodgers have somehow maintained control of the NL West, a testament to their organizational depth and ability to adapt. However, the constant churn has forced the club into a rotation resembling a game of Tetris—pieces being moved daily just to keep the structure from collapsing.
As the trade deadline approaches, there’s increasing speculation that the Dodgers will be active in pursuing pitching reinforcements. But until then, all eyes remain on Gonsolin’s progress. His return, even in a limited role, could help stabilize a rotation that’s been battered but not broken.
For the 31-year-old right-hander, whose All-Star 2022 campaign (16-1, 2.14 ERA) feels like a distant memory, the hope is that this is merely a bump in the road—and not a sign of deeper trouble ahead.