Padres grasping for straws with Dodgers’ Tony Gonsolin shade during NLDS Game 3

Tony Gonsolin was put in a tough spot on Friday night. Tasked with taking the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, the right-hander had only pitched two innings since Aug. 23.

After suffering a forearm strain in late August, the Dodgers had Gonsolin take time to build back his arm strength. By the time the playoffs rolled around, he was built up for 75 pitches.

But on Friday, he was only utilized for 42 … through 1.1 innings of work. Reminiscent of previous Gonsolin postseason starts, eh? This time around, though, it’s hard to fault him for that given the circumstances. He had an All-Star season that was derailed by an injury at the absolute worst time. Then he was asked to pitch in a pivotal Game 3 in an NLDS that was knotted up at 1-1.

Sadly, nobody will care about the minor details if the result doesn’t favor the Dodgers. And Gonsolin allowing more hits and walks than he recorded outs is plain bad.

It also doesn’t help that the Padres pulled out the receipts from Thursday, when Gonsolin lightly threw shade at San Diego fans and Petco Park. Nothing inflammatory here … but just enough for someone to stick it in their back pocket for later use. Classic Padres, grasping for straws.

Padres troll Dodgers’ Tony Gonsolin for comments about Petco Park

The Padres pulled the video clip of Gonsolin saying this and put it on the jumbotron! Unbelievable. Mind you, this came after they essentially did all they could to ban Dodgers fans from the ballpark by restricting ticket sales to them. 

The man was asked a question and provided props to his home crowd. That’s somehow troll-worthy when it all comes crashing down? When the Dodgers fan base travels far better than yours?

Seems like they were just dying to get this off their chest since Gonsolin has certifiably owned the Padres throughout his career, and especially in 2022.

Would you look at that! The Padres needed the rustiest version of Gonsolin in order to not get completely dominated by him. They better be looking over their shoulder because they haven’t exactly taken advantage, clinging to a 2-1 lead in the fifth.

Of all teams, shouldn’t the Padres know not to do this until the score is settled? For a team that went 5-14 against the Dodgers during the regular season, you’d think they would’ve learned by now. Little brothers, man. They never do.

Padres obviously terrified of Dodgers fans with feeble NLDS ticket policy

The Los Angeles Dodgers will square off against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and the Padres are already tucking their tail between their legs.