Dodgers: Three options for a six-man rotation

Tony Gonsolin

Making his Major League debut last June, Tony Gonsolin might not rank near the top of the prospect ranking lists like teammates Gavin Lux and Dustin May, but he is still a promising young player in the Dodger organization.

The right-hander appeared in 11 games for the Dodgers last season, going 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA, showing off a fastball spin rate that ranked near the top of the league.

At 25-years-old, having pitched four years in college baseball, Gonsolin is ready to make the leap to the majors, he just needs a spot in the rotation, an opportunity that now presents itself with the Dodgers in need of depth to start the 2020 season. Given his experience and age, he could be a better candidate to join the back of the rotation than May, who still requires some seasoning in the minors.

Gonsolin relies on a four-seam fastball and split-finger for the majority of his pitches, but also features a slider and curveball. He has had success putting batters away with all of his offspeed pitches. Having pitched exclusively as a reliever earlier in his minor league career, and also in a few occassions last season with the Dodgers, he has the stuff to transition to a bullpen role, when needed.

While Gonsolin still projects as a starter, it might be useful for manager Dave Roberts to have arms available who he can use in multiple roles, either as a spot starter or long-reliever. Gonsolin offers the versatility the team needs.