Tony Gonsolin being ramped up to return as starter

No matter the time of the season, you never want to see a team dealing with numerous injuries. Luckily it’s only May, but a good portion of impact players on the Dodgers are currently on the Injured List battling a number of injuries.

While speaking with reporters on Sunday morning, manager Dave Roberts provided a number of updates on a bunch of different players and when we could potentially expect them to return.

Tony Gonsolin

One of the few players we haven’t seen yet this season is Tony Gonsolin, who was placed on the IL back on April 4 right after the start of the season. He was dealing with right shoulder inflammation. Although he’s trending in the right direction, it appears as though it could be at least a few more weeks until we see him.

“The plan is to build Tony up to be a starter, you’re talking five [innings] and 75 [pitches] as the floor,” Roberts said on Sunday. “Tony is the guy we’re trying to build up.”

This makes sense, as the Dodgers are currently without their No. 5 starter, Dustin May, who is scheduled to have an MRI on his right arm tomorrow. There’s no timetable yet as to how long May will be out, so it makes sense for Gonsolin to fill into the No. 5 spot in the rotation once he’s back.

As mentioned, we’re not exactly sure when Gonsolin could return to LA. He’s continuing to build his arm up, especially considering they want to build him up as a starter. Roberts said his return will be whenever he feels he’s ready to contribute at the big-league level. With the minor-league season starting this week, there’s a likely chance Gonsolin will join one of LA’s affiliates soon and begin pitching in live games.

David Price

David Price was placed on the IL last week after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Roberts said there’s a 4-6 week timeline on his return.

“He’s coming along nicely and playing catch,” Roberts said. “I still see him getting back with us when he’s ready in the bullpen.”

Roberts added that he is feeling fine and he doesn’t feel the pain when he plays catch, but they’ll be cautious with him and bring him back when he’s ready.

Zach McKinstry

Another player the Dodgers are being cautious with is rookie Zach McKinstry, who has missed nearly two weeks now with an oblique injury. Roberts provided an update with him as well.

“I don’t think he’s swinging yet,” he said. “He’s pain free, but with the oblique you have to be cautious. I still think the four week window is where I see him.”

McKinstry was placed on the IL on April 23, meaning he’ll likely be out for 2-3 more weeks depending on how his healing process goes. The Dodgers have missed his bat, as he was one of the hottest hitters on the team when he got hurt.