Dodgers News: Tony Gonsolin’s Injury Will Keep Him Sidelined to Open the Season

The bad injury news just keeps rolling in for the Dodgers. RHP Tony Gonsolin, who suffered a fluke injury after a spring training drill, will be missing the start of the season, per manager Dave Roberts. Gonsolin suffered a sprained left ankle, and it will keep him out of the rotation for at least his first start of the season, but probably more as he's likely to start on the Injured List (per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic).

Dave Roberts confirmed today what’s been expected for a while: Tony Gonsolin’s sprained ankle will land him on the IL to start the year.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 17, 2023

This is a tough blow for Gonsolin, who had a dominant first half of 2022, before injuries derailed the rest of his season.

Now, he was hoping to be fully healthy coming into the new year, and will instead be starting it on the IL.

Fortunately for the Dodgers, they have the depth to replace Gonsolin early in the year — and Roberts is reportedly choosing between three options: Ryan Pepiot, Michael Grove and Andre Jackson.

Dave Roberts is deciding between three options to replace Tony Gonsolin on the Dodgers Opening Day roster.

Their spring stats thus far:

Ryan Pepiot:
6 IP
7 H
1 ER
1 BB
9 K
1.50 ERA

Michael Grove:
8.2 IP
7 H
4 ER
1 BB
8 K
4.15 ERA

Andre Jackson:
6 IP
5 H
0 ER
1 BB
7 K
0.00 ERA
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) March 17, 2023

All three have pitched fairly well this spring, although Pepiot and Jackson have been flat-out dominant. Jackson likely wouldn't be in consideration for the spot if it weren't for his dominant spring, as Pepiot and Grove each made spot starts last season.

However, Jackson's play has made it impossible for Roberts to not consider him for the role, as he's pitched six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts this spring.

The Dodgers can't really go wrong with any of these options, however, it'll be interesting to see who they ultimately decide to go with.

My hunch tells me it's going to be Pepiot, but if Jackson keeps pitching at this level, he may force his way onto the roster — although I think he could make the roster either way, just not as the fifth starter.

This should be a fun battle to watch for the last two weeks of spring.