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Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin was a National League Cy Young candidate deep into August after winning 16 of his first 17 decisions, recording a 2.10 ERA and holding batters to a .169 average. But Gonsolin was shut down in late August with a right forearm strain, all but ending his chances for Cy Young hardware.
The good news is that Gonsolin returned to an MLB mound on Oct. 3, limiting the Rockies to one run over two innings in a start that was short by design. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the next day that Gonsolin will throw a three- or four-inning simulated game on Sunday. That will be his final warm-up before the NLDS begins Oct. 11, and Roberts said Gonsolin could start Game 3 or 4.
Dave Roberts said Tony Gonsolin will throw a sim-game on Sunday and try and go 3-4 IP. If all goes well, he’ll be on the NLDS roster and could start Game 3 or 4. #Dodgers
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) October 4, 2022
Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw will start the Dodgers’ first two games of that best-of-five series.
Gonsolin was a big reason why L.A. set a franchise record for single-season wins this year. And him being healthy will go a long way toward helping the Dodgers win the World Series. At +350, they have the best odds of any team to claim the Commissioner’s Trophy, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.