As Shohei Ohtani prepares to return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team faces difficult decisions regarding their pitching roster, especially concerning veteran right-hander Tony Gonsolin. The Dodgers’ front office must navigate these choices cautiously amid ongoing injury concerns to optimize the roster for the remainder of the season.
Los Angeles has struggled with numerous injuries among its pitching staff, creating uncertainty about how to integrate Ohtani without jeopardizing the overall rotation’s health. The organization is wary of making any moves such as designating a player for assignment or executing a trade, only for Ohtani or others to suffer setbacks. Despite these risks, internal discussions suggest the team could consider moving on from Gonsolin, who has a history of strong performances but has been hampered by injuries recently.
Challenges Faced by Tony Gonsolin Amid Pitching Staff Injuries
Tony Gonsolin, once an All-Star and reliable member of the Dodgers’ rotation, has endured a turbulent period with injuries limiting his participation. He did not pitch at all during the 2024 regular season or postseason and appeared in just 20 games in 2023. Currently on the injured list, Gonsolin has managed a 5.00 ERA this year in seven appearances, striking out 38 batters over 36 innings—a performance that indicates some effectiveness despite the concerns.
Baseball analyst Zach Presnell highlighted the precarious position Gonsolin faces with Ohtani’s impending return.
“With Ohtani returning, Gonsolin (who’s currently on the injured list) could be on the hot seat,”
Presnell wrote.
“The Dodgers may try to shift him to the bullpen, but there’s also a chance Los Angeles could use him in a trade if its pitching rotation can get healthy. Returning Ohtani is step one to getting fully healthy. It could also be step one to sending Gonsolin out the door this season.”
Potential Moves in Response to Ohtani’s Return
A decision to trade Gonsolin could be logical given his previous success and value to other teams, especially those seeking seasoned pitchers with proven track records. Despite injuries affecting his recent output, Gonsolin’s talent is recognized league-wide, having posted a career-best 2.14 ERA in prior seasons. Still, the Dodgers face a dilemma as their pitching staff remains dealing with health challenges, making roster moves difficult.
The return of Shohei Ohtani not only brings renewed strength to the rotation but also pressurizes the Dodgers to finalize their pitching lineup soon. How the team manages Gonsolin’s status will significantly influence their pitching depth and overall strategy as the season advances.
What Ohtani’s Role Means for the Dodgers Going Forward
Integrating Ohtani’s unique two-way capabilities may lead the Dodgers to reshuffle existing players either within the bullpen or potentially by trading to create space on the roster. The decisions made in this phase will be critical to sustaining competitive performance and managing injury risks effectively. While Ohtani’s return promises to bolster the mound, the Dodgers must carefully balance that with maintaining pitching depth amid ongoing uncertainties.