Dodgers place Tony Gonsolin on injured list with right shoulder inflammation

The Dodgers on Sunday placed pitcher Tony Gonsolin on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, and recalled pitcher Dennis Santana, who was with the team in Denver as part of the taxi squad.

“It’s something that’s been kind of lingering for the last few days. He went out there and played catch today and didn’t feel great,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I think it’s more just being cautious with Tony, obviously being such a big part of our club.”

Gonsolin did not pitch in any of the first three games of the season, and was one of a few pitchers unavailable on Saturday night, which helped necessitate Kenley Jansen recording a five-out save, his longest in two seasons. Roberts said Jansen and Victor Gonzalez, who pitched in the last two games, would be unavailable Sunday, but everyone else is available.

It’s unclear if that includes David Price, who pitched on Friday. The Dodgers plan to be cautious with their starting pitchers in the bullpen, including Price, Jimmy Nelson, and Gonsolin, giving them multiple days off in between outings.

Santana is available, and could pitch “two innings, potentially three, depending on his pitch efficiency,” Roberts said.

The Dodgers backdated Gonsolin’s injured list stint to Thursday, the earliest allowable date, meaning the earliest he could be activated is nexyt Sunday. Though Roberts said there was no timeline yet for Gonsolin’s return.

“We’ll see how he progresses,” Roberts said.

A look ahead

With the Dodgers playing next in Oakland, they will have use of the designated hitter for the next three games. Roberts said he plans to rotate players in the DH spot, including Max Muncy on Monday and Justin Turner on Tuesday against the A’s.

The Dodgers used 10 different players at designated hitter in last year’s 60-game season, with nobody starting more than 12 times in the role.

“If you talk to most players, the DH is like an off day, and for the teams to get their bat in there,” Roberts said. “I do believe the way we kind of shared that duty was beneficial to our club.”

Roberts also said Zach McKinstry, who is starting on Sunday, would also start at second base on Monday against A’s right-hander Frankie Montas, presumably giving Gavin Lux his first day out of the lineup.