Dodgers: Tony Gonsolin gives LA plenty of options for playoff roster

As the 2019 season starts to wind down, the Dodgers are busy preparing for the potential roster moves that will hopefully contribute to eleven postseason wins.

One of the Dodgers’ biggest concerns is the pitching situation, with multiple injuries and uncertainties. Rookie pitcher Tony Gonsolin is hoping to show his capabilities with a spot on the postseason roster.

In late June, Gonsolin was called up from OKC in the wake of the Rich Hill injury. As a top pitching prospect, many were looking forward to his debut as a Dodger. Although his first start against the Diamondbacks did not go as planned, he pitched four innings and had four earned runs; Tony made sure to prove himself the rest of the season.

After his unsuccessful debut, he was optioned back to OKC. He later returned to the big leagues in late July to redeem himself, and he sure has.  As the rest of the season unfolded, he has been nothing but exceptional. He has pitched 37 innings and holds an ERA of 3.16 with 33 strikeouts.

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Not only has Gonsolin shown improvement, but he has shown great versatility. He has been able to come in as a starter or as a reliever and is able to throw as many innings as needed for the team.  Gonsolin has allowed a .192 average as a starter and a .182 opponent’s average as a reliever, demonstrating his ability to pitch in either role.

With the postseason lingering, it looks like there might be a spot for Gonsolin on the roster. The question that lies ahead is how he will be used. With Hill still needing to prove he can be effective in the final week and other relievers struggling, the possibilities are endless.

His role could potentially depend on Hill’s final week comeback attempt.  If Hill cannot crack the postseason roster then Gonsolin could provide several innings in an opener role in game four of each series.  If Rich does reclaim a starter spot, then Tony could provide the Dodgers with another multiple-inning reliever in October.

If the later is chosen to be his role, Gonsolin could be extremely helpful to relieve pressure from other members of the bullpen who have been struggling to get productive outings.  Regardless of the outcome of the roster, Dodgers fans can expect Gonsolin to be a main part of that pitching staff and hopefully guide them to another World Series.