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Aha — this is the move Dave Roberts wanted to keep under wraps for as long as possible. Just hours before the Sunday game is set to start, Tony Gonsolin was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Gonsolin will make his third career start for LA in the series finale against the Braves. In starts, he has a 1-1 record and a 3.60 ERA. The last time he took the bump came on Aug. 5 against the Cardinals when he pitched six scoreless innings while striking out seven batters. Pretty good if you ask me.
Gonsolin will make at least one more start after today, Roberts said.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 18, 2019
Dustin May will make his Dodgers bullpen debut, relieving Gonsolin for a few innings. All eyes will be on both young pitchers, who are both trying out for postseason spots.
Jedd Gyorko will finally make his Dodgers debut on Sunday afternoon since trading for him back on July 31. He was activated from the 60-day injured list (lower back strain) and will bat fifth in the starting lineup.
Today’s Dodger lineup at Braves:
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 18, 2019
Pollock CF
Turner 3B
Smith C
Bellinger RF
Gyorko 1B
Seager SS
Garlick LF
Negrón 2B
Gonsolin P#Dodgers | @Biofreeze pic.twitter.com/xHdD2jbxSK
In order to make room for Gonsolin and Gyorko, the Dodgers optioned right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz and infielder Edwin Ríos. Sborz was on the 25-man roster since Friday and didn’t make an appearance. Ríos played in nine games with the team since being recalled on Aug. 6. He had an amazing game against the Marlins where he smacked two home runs to help the Dodgers win.
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That’s not the only thing we learned from today’s media scrum.
Ken Gurnick reports that Kiké Hernández and Chris Taylor will likely be activated on Tuesday when the Dodgers are back home. Dave Roberts also said Juilo Urías will be built up as a starter during his suspension at Camelback Ranch. This is to increase the amount of options for the pitching staff in October.
Speaking of the pitching staff, Ross Stripling will be out until at least Sept. 1 and his return will not be to the starting rotation. He will transition into a bullpen role when he gets back from the injured list.
The Dodgers have options for a 4th starter in the postseason, but they could also just have a couple of pitchers take down 3-4 innings each. It doesn't have to be conventional.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 18, 2019