With Walker Buehler out for the season, Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney having left via free agency, Dustin May without his best command, and the injury-prone Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers really need Julio Urias and Tony Gonsolin to be both healthy and effective.
The former is currently pitching in the WBC and is a sure bet for top-notch performance.
The latter, however, won’t be able to start the season on the active roster, unfortunately.
“Dave Roberts said Tony Gonsolin won’t make Opening Day roster due to his left ankle injury,” Dodgers insider David Vassegh tweeted.
Dave Roberts said Tony Gonsolin won’t make Opening Day roster due to his left ankle injury. #Dodgers
—David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 17, 2023
Gonsolin has been trying to fend off the ailment for a few days now.
He originally suffered the sprained left ankle while doing defensive drills in early March.
The good news is that he was able to resume a throwing program this week, so he will be back relatively soon.
Still, there’s just not enough time for him to get stretched out before March 30.
The Dodgers’ depth is currently being tested as a result of Gonsolin’s injury and the free agent departures.
Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove are now expected to be factors, with one of them getting Gonsolin’s spot while he is out.
With all the injuries and less-than-ideal pitching situations, the Dodgers could definitely use an arm or two for depth.
The pitching landscape in Los Angeles actually opens up a window of hope for the San Diego Padres, who made several key acquisitions in the winter and look ready to challenge for the NL West division.
Will the Dodgers be able to hold them off?
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Mookie Betts Comments On Having Fun In March