NL West Beware: LA Dodgers Rotation is Whole Again as Tony Gonsolin Returns

 

It's been a long time coming, but the Los Angeles Dodgers will have their full 5-man rotation intact, finally, as of tonight. Tony Gonsolin makes his 2021 debut after being activated from the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. 

The Dodgers activated RHP Tony Gonsolin from the 60-day injured list and placed IF/OF Yoshi Tsutsugo on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred Scott Alexander to the 60-day injured list.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 9, 2021

In 2020, Gonsolin had the best FIP (fielding independent pitching) on the staff, at 2.29, the best FanGraphs WAR (1.8), and the second-best ERA, at 2.21.

He will be a welcome addition to the Dodgers' staff. The top 4 starters of Clayton Kershaw, Walker Beuhler, Trevor Bauer and Julio Urias have taken on a bit more of the burden over the past several weeks after Dustin May went down for the season. 

#Dodgers Tony Gonsolin is with the team in Pittsburgh and shared "whatever Doc needs from me tomorrow, I’m ready to go."

Gonsolin went on the IL April 1 and has been building up to step into the starting rotation since Dustin May's injury.

— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) June 8, 2021

Currently sitting in 3rd place in the NL West, Gonsolin referred to manager "Doc" Roberts, saying he's ready to give him some innings. Gonsolin's return should indeed be just what the doctor ordered. 

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports