Tony Gonsolin, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ talented right-handed pitcher, has been a key figure in the team’s rotation. Known for his stellar 2022 season, where he earned an All-Star selection with a remarkable 2.14 ERA, Gonsolin has faced significant challenges but is now back on the mound, aiming to reclaim his top form. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023 and missing the entire 2024 season, his return in 2025 is a beacon of hope for Dodgers fans. This article explores Gonsolin’s career, his recovery journey, his current performance, and his impact on the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.
Key Points
- Tony Gonsolin’s Career: A talented Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, Gonsolin shone in 2022 with a 2.14 ERA and All-Star selection.
- Injury and Recovery: He missed 2024 due to Tommy John surgery but returned in 2025, showing resilience.
- 2025 Performance: Currently 3-1 with a 5.23 ERA, indicating a work in progress post-recovery.
- Impact on Dodgers: His return strengthens the Dodgers’ rotation, vital for their championship aspirations.
- Uncertainty: His ongoing game on June 4, 2025, against the Mets lacks a final result, limiting performance analysis.
Who Is Tony Gonsolin?
Tony Gonsolin is a right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his impressive 2022 season where he earned an All-Star nod. Drafted in 2016, he debuted in 2019 and has since been a key part of the Dodgers’ rotation when healthy.
Career Highlights
Gonsolin’s standout year was 2022, with a 16-1 record and a 2.14 ERA, showcasing his potential as a top-tier pitcher. His career ERA stands at 3.34, reflecting consistency before his 2023 injury.
Current Season and Challenges
In 2025, Gonsolin has a 3-1 record with a 5.23 ERA over six starts, suggesting he’s still regaining form after missing 2024 due to elbow surgery. His 28.7% whiff rate remains a positive sign of his pitching effectiveness.
Why It Matters
Gonsolin’s return bolsters the Dodgers’ pitching staff, crucial for their postseason goals. Fans and analysts are hopeful he can recapture his 2022 magic, though his recovery journey adds complexity to expectations.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Tony Gonsolin was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft from Saint Mary’s College of California (Baseball-Reference). He made his MLB debut on June 26, 2019, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitching four innings and allowing six runs. Despite a challenging start, he showed promise, finishing the 2019 season with a 4-2 record and a 2.93 ERA over 11 games, including six starts.
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Gonsolin continued to develop, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.31 ERA in nine games, eight of which were starts. His performance contributed to the Dodgers’ World Series victory that year. In 2021, despite injury setbacks, he maintained a solid 4-1 record with a 3.23 ERA in 15 games.
The 2022 season was Gonsolin’s breakout year. He achieved a remarkable 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA in 24 starts, earning a spot in the National League All-Star Game (ESPN). His ability to limit hits (0.87 WHIP) and generate strikeouts (119 in 130.1 innings) made him a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation.
Overcoming Adversity: Injury and Recovery
The 2023 season marked a turning point for Gonsolin. Early in the year, he suffered an ankle sprain, delaying his season start. Upon returning, he showed flashes of his 2022 form, posting a 1.93 ERA in his first nine starts. However, an underlying elbow issue, later revealed to be a significant injury, impacted his performance. By mid-season, his ERA had climbed to 4.98 over 20 starts. In August 2023, Gonsolin underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that typically requires 12-18 months of recovery (Bleacher Report). This surgery sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
During his recovery, Gonsolin focused on rehabilitation, working to regain arm strength and pitching mechanics. His return to the mound in 2025, starting against the Miami Marlins in April, was a significant milestone, marking his first major league appearance in 20 months (ESPN).
Tony Gonsolin’s 2025 Season Performance
As of June 5, 2025, Tony Gonsolin has made six starts in the 2025 season, compiling a 3-1 record with a 5.23 ERA over 31 innings. While his ERA is higher than his career average of 3.34, it’s not uncommon for pitchers to face challenges post-Tommy John surgery. He has struck out 32 batters, maintaining a strong 9.29 strikeouts per nine innings. His 28.7% whiff rate, ranking in the 73rd percentile among active pitchers, indicates that his pitches remain difficult to hit.
On June 4, 2025, Gonsolin started against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. As of the latest update, the game is in progress, with the Mets leading 3-0 in the third inning. While the outcome is pending, Gonsolin’s performance in this high-profile matchup against a strong Mets lineup, featuring players like Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte, is a critical test of his recovery.
The following table summarizes Gonsolin’s career statistics by season:
| Season | W | L | ERA | G | GS | IP | SO | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 2 | 2.93 | 11 | 6 | 40.0 | 37 | 1.02 |
| 2020 | 2 | 2 | 2.31 | 9 | 8 | 46.2 | 46 | 0.84 |
| 2021 | 4 | 1 | 3.23 | 15 | 13 | 55.2 | 65 | 1.35 |
| 2022 | 16 | 1 | 2.14 | 24 | 24 | 130.1 | 119 | 0.87 |
| 2023 | 7 | 5 | 4.98 | 20 | 20 | 103.0 | 82 | 1.22 |
| 2025 | 3 | 1 | 5.23 | 6 | 6 | 31.0 | 32 | 1.45 |
Impact on the Dodgers’ Rotation
Tony Gonsolin’s return is a significant boost for the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which includes stars like Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers, with a 37-24 record as of June 5, 2025, are leading the NL West and aiming for another World Series title. Gonsolin’s ability to provide quality starts and eat innings reduces the workload on other starters and the bullpen, a critical factor in a long season.
His presence adds depth to a rotation that faced challenges with injuries in recent years. For instance, the Dodgers’ game against the Mets on June 3, 2025, saw a walk-off victory, highlighting the team’s resilience (X Post). Gonsolin’s experience, including his contribution to the 2020 World Series, makes him a valuable asset as the Dodgers navigate tough matchups like the current series against the Mets.
What to Expect from Tony Gonsolin
Looking ahead, Gonsolin’s potential to return to his 2022 form is promising. His high whiff rate and strikeout numbers suggest that his pitching arsenal—featuring a fastball, splitter, and slider—remains effective. As he continues to build arm strength, his ERA is likely to improve, aligning closer to his career average.
Analysts are optimistic about his role in the Dodgers’ postseason push. His resilience, demonstrated by his recovery from major surgery, reflects a mental toughness that will serve him well. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has praised Gonsolin’s determination, noting his “playoff mindset” even during rehab (True Blue LA).
Conclusion
Tony Gonsolin’s journey from a promising rookie to an All-Star pitcher, through a major injury and recovery, and back to the Dodgers’ rotation is a story of resilience and talent. His 2025 season, while still a work in progress, shows signs of his potential to reclaim his status as a top pitcher. As the Dodgers chase another championship, Gonsolin’s contributions will be crucial. Fans can follow his progress on platforms like MLB.com and stay tuned for updates on his performances, including his ongoing start against the Mets.
Read more – Tony Gonsolin: 5 Critical Insights as Dodgers Clash With Mets Tonight
Read more – New York Post
FAQs:
What is Tony Gonsolin’s career ERA?
Tony Gonsolin has a career ERA of 3.34 over six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, reflecting his consistency when healthy.
How did Tony Gonsolin perform in his All-Star season?
In 2022, Gonsolin posted a 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA in 24 starts, earning an All-Star selection and contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ success.
What injury did Tony Gonsolin suffer in 2023?
Gonsolin underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023 due to an elbow injury, which caused him to miss the entire 2024 season.
