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Spring Training Preview: Tony Gonsolin Makes 2nd Cactus League Start As Dodgers Take On Indians

Matt Borelli
3 Min Read
Rick Scuteri/USA TODAY Sports

After rallying late to secure a victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to make it two in a row when they take on the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark. The meeting is one of two between the teams during Cactus League play.

Making his second start of the spring is Tony Gonsolin, who tossed a perfect inning in his 2020 debut against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday.

The right-hander is coming off an excellent 2019 campaign in which he appeared in 11 games at the Major League level, going 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA, 3.86 FIP and 1.03 WHIP over 40 innings of work.

Gonsolin is one of a handful of pitchers the Dodgers are considering for the fifth spot in the starting rotation this season. He also has experience pitching out of the bullpen, which could improve his odds of being included on the Opening Day roster.

“They’re in the same bucket, but I think Tony, there’s probably more of a conversation if things can break and fall out a little bit differently as far as role,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said when evaluating Gonsolin and Dustin May.

Of course, May has since been shut down due to lingering discomfort in his side.

The Indians counter with Jefry Rodriguez, who additionally makes his second start of the spring. He was fairly successful in his 2020 debut against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing one run on two hits over two innings of work.

Rodriguez went 1-5 with a 4.63 ERA, 4.54 FIP and 1.48 WHIP in 46.2 innings for the Indians last season (10 games, eight starts).

Chris Taylor returns to the Dodgers lineup, batting leadoff and playing left field. He had been sidelined since the club’s matchup against the Chicago Cubs due to forearm and biceps irritation.

The Indians trot out a lineup that could look very similar to the one that takes the field on Opening Day. Francisco Lindor, who the Dodgers were connected to in trade rumors over the offseason, bats leadoff and plays shortstop.

Pedro Baez, Dylan Floro, Adam Kolarek and Tyler Gilbert are among the Dodgers relief pitchers making the trip to Goodyear and expected to appear.

Dodgers lineup:

LF: Chris Taylor
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
2B: Kiké Hernandez
C: Austin Barnes
DH: Luke Raley
1B: Tyler White
CF: Terrance Gore
RF: Anthony Garcia

Indians lineup:

SS: Francisco Lindor
2B: Cesar Hernandez
3B: Jose Ramirez
1B: Carlos Santana
RF: Domingo Santana
DH: Jordan Luplow
LF: Greg Allen
CF: Delino Deshields
C: Beau Taylor

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Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.