GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t ready to say Tony Gonsolin will miss the start of the season after Gonsolin sprained his left ankle during workouts earlier this week.
But Roberts is ready to acknowledge that the choice of a replacement – if needed – comes down to two young right-handers, Ryan Pepiot or Michael Grove.
“I think that’s fair,” Roberts said. “With those guys having some experience already (at the major-league level), seeing them as starters – having one of those guys fill that void is probably likely.”
Gonsolin’s ankle has improved since he injured it on Monday. But there is still no timetable for when he will resume his throwing program. Gonsolin made one Cactus League start before his injury, allowing three hits but no runs in 2⅓ innings against the Angels last week.
“He is moving around better,” Roberts said Saturday. “But it’s going to be a slow process, I’ll say that.”
That could make a start or two available for Pepiot or Grove to fill in while Gonsolin builds up and rejoins the rotation. Both have looked good in Cactus League games.
Pepiot has allowed one run on seven hits in six innings. Most importantly for him, he has walked just one and struck out nine. Addressing the command issues that hampered him during his seven starts for the Dodgers last season has been his primary focus this spring.
“He looks different,” Roberts said. “The delivery is different. It’s a lot more consistent. I think the throws are a lot more consistent, more competitive pitches. Much better than it was.”
Grove has also allowed one run in six spring innings but on just two hits and no walks while striking out six.
“I think Michael is continuing to get better,” Roberts said of Grove, who was 1-0 with a 4.60 ERA in seven games with the Dodgers last season. “I love his strike-throwing. I like his command and I like the way he can spin the baseball.”
There’s also a lot to like about Bobby…
Read the full article here
