Dodgers could get unexpected pitching reinforcement before the end of 2024

The Dodgers have found themselves having to handle worrying pitching deficits multiple times this season. Of the starters currently in the rotation, only one has managed to evade an IL stint or a demotion — Gavin Stone. The bullpen has also been hit with multiple injuries; Alex Vesia and Daniel Hudson are the only big guns who have stayed off the IL all season.

The rotation is still a current concern, with Tyler Glasnow on the IL and recovering slowly from elbow tendonitis, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on his way back (but still absent) after missing two months. The relief corps is still missing Brusdar Graterol.

However, the Dodgers could be expecting some help for the latter in the form of an unexpected returner: Tony Gonsolin, who underwent Tommy John in September last year and was supposed to be a non-factor for the Dodgers this season.

But Dave Roberts opened the door for Gonsolin's return this year, although it would only be in a relief capacity, and Gonsolin was hopeful that there would be a clearer timeline by the beginning of September.

Dodgers could bring Tony Gonsolin back from Tommy John this season as a reliever

Gonsolin was an All-Star in 2022 and had a 2.14 ERA and a .941 win percentage that lead the major leagues. His performance dipped in 2023, and then the Tommy John surgery arrived. Having a bullpen reinforcement in the form of a pitcher as dominant as Gonsolin was a few years ago seems like a very nice thing on paper.

However, there's the question of where he fits. The Dodgers' 40-man roster is currently at 39, but that 40th spot will easily go to Yoshinobu Yamamoto as soon as he's finished his rehab assignment and comes back to the majors. Accommodating Gonsolin would mean having to make a perhaps unnecessarily difficult roster decision.

A couple of options do come to mind. Joe Kelly's been struggling and is nearing the end of his one-year deal. Anthony Banda has been very good this season, but he doesn't have the same kind of seniority or money attached to him as the rest of the bullpen. However, he's also one of the bullpen's only lefties.

Putting a pitcher who's been out of game action back on the field in September, or even in the postseason, also seems like a big risk for the Dodgers to take. Gonsolin will obviously have to complete a rehab assignment before returning to the majors, but how good a gauge is that, really, for how he might perform in the most high-pressure situations in the bigs after a year of inactivity?

Roberts seemed hesitant when he talked about Gonsolin's chances of returning, and it's clear to see why. Gonsolin himself seems eager to get back this season, but maybe it's best if the Dodgers make him wait a little longer.