Tony Gonsolin is still under consideration for the fifth spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation, and his final appearance of Spring Training produced mixed results.
It came in the form of a start in the Freeway Series opener due to David Price being scratched because of illness. Gonsolin had initially been scheduled to piggyback Price in his fifth game of the spring.
Gonsolin worked around early traffic but failed to continue that trend in the third and fourth innings. He allowed four runs (two earned) on eight hits and three walks, and collected six strikeouts over 3.2 innings.
Gonsolin finished Spring Training with a 3.21 ERA in five games (two starts). “I thought it was OK,” he said of the past six weeks. “Throwing 80-something pitches today, I thought the buildup was pretty good. I feel like I’m ready for whatever role they put me in.”
Some of the frustration Gonsolin felt and his modest assessment was due to failing to establish significant momentum heading into the regular season. “I just wanted to enter the season clicking on all cylinders,” he said.
Gonsolin hoping for clarity
With Price being scratched from his start, the plan is for the veteran left-hander to join Walker Buehler in pitching during a simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Monday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated the club will then discuss plans for their fifth starter.
“Hopefully I’ll get it figured out in the next couple days,” Gonsolin said. “The season has to start, so I’m open to anything. I just want to get on the mound and pitch. … I’m looking forward to the season. Whatever my role is, I’m looking forward to getting comfortable with that and doing the best I can.”
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