Dodgers News: Competition to Replace Injured Tony Gonsolin Down to 2 Pitchers
What was initially a competition of three players is officially down to two. On Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that All-Star RHP Tony Gonsolin will be out for "a few weeks" to start the 2023 season. However, now, the options to replace him are reportedly just Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove — not Andre Jackson. Roberts also said that the competition is "really close," and that there's "no wrong decision," (per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register).
This doesn't exactly come as a surprise, as I've been saying all along it's going to be Pepiot or Grove filling in. Both have experience as a starter at the big league level, and Jackson has none. Also, both Pepiot and Grove have been starters this spring, and Jackson has come out of the bullpen.
So, it made too much sense for it to be either Pepiot and Grove, and now we know that's the case.
They've both played well this spring, although Pepiot has looked a little stronger. However, I think it is fair to say that there's really no wrong answer, as either will fill in nicely for a couple starts to open the season.
Still, as I've said all along, I ultimately expect Pepiot to fill that role. He has slightly more experience at the big league level, and has been more impressive this spring. I think it was his spot to lose this whole time, and he's done more than enough to keep it.
I expect Ryan Pepiot to start the Dodgers' fifth game of the season this year against the Colorado Rockies. But, if he struggles, Michael Grove could get an opportunity of his own shortly after.
