ST. LOUIS — Tony Gonsolin recently underwent an MRI on his sore elbow, and the results brought some relief to the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Gonsolin’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) remains intact following his Tommy John surgery in 2023, which is encouraging news for the team. However, the exact nature of Gonsolin’s elbow discomfort remains unclear, with potential causes including scar tissue from his surgery and joint inflammation.
Roberts noted that Gonsolin will need to refrain from throwing for an indefinite period as he recovers. Gonsolin struggled to find his rhythm this season, with a 5.00 ERA over seven starts, following a back injury that delayed his return to the mound. He is now the 14th pitcher and eighth starter on the Dodgers’ injured list.
In other team news, Shohei Ohtani, who was recently hit on the left foot by a pitch, was deemed fine by Roberts. However, his live batting practice session, previously scheduled for Monday, has been postponed to Tuesday to give him extra time for recovery. This session is crucial as Ohtani continues his rehabilitation from a second elbow surgery, building up his pitch count in preparation for a potential return to game action.
The Dodgers are gearing up for a big series against the San Diego Padres, starting Monday night. This matchup marks their first encounter this season and kicks off a stretch of ten consecutive games against NL West opponents. While Roberts downplayed the immediate stakes of the series, he acknowledged the competitive spirit it brings out in both teams given the geographic rivalry.
Additionally, Michael Kopech was activated from the injured list after a challenging rehab assignment in Triple-A. Despite his struggles, including walking batters and giving up runs, Kopech is optimistic about his performance moving forward and is excited to contribute to the bullpen.
As the Dodgers navigate this challenging period and face pivotal matchups ahead, there is a sense of hope that they can turn their current trajectory around. The anticipation surrounding Gonsolin’s recovery, Ohtani’s progress, and Kopech’s return could ultimately help solidify the team’s presence in the hunt for a playoff spot.
In recovery updates, right-hander Emmet Sheehan is making strides in his rehab, with plans to join the Dodgers’ rotation before the All-Star break, bringing more optimism to the injured lineup.
The Dodgers will face the Padres with right-hander Dustin May scheduled to start. This series is set to be crucial as both teams vie for positioning in a tightly contested division.