Gonsolin, Gyorko have good days; May doesn't

August 18th, 2019

ATLANTA -- Tryout camp continued for the Dodgers in Sunday’s series finale against the Braves, a 5-3 loss.

Rookie right-hander Tony Gonsolin was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start the game, rookie right-hander Dustin May pitched in relief and veteran infielder Jedd Gyorko was activated from the injured list and made his Dodgers debut. He started at first base and went 2-for-4 with a strikeout.

The Dodgers are in need of a starting pitcher for the spot that had belonged to Rich Hill, until he injured his flexor muscle, and was taken over by Ross Stripling, until he hurt his neck and biceps tendon. Stripling won’t be activated until Sept. 1 and will return as a reliever, while Hill is recovering without any setbacks and will be given a chance to start.

Management, meanwhile, has been testing Gonsolin and May for potential postseason roles, primarily in the bullpen. Gonsolin entered the game 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA in three appearances, and allowed one run off five hits over four innings in the finale. He struck out two.

May, meanwhile, was the opposite side of the coin in his first relief appearance. He was 1-1 with a 2.65 ERA in three previous starts but loaded the bases upon entering the game in the sixth and subsequently allowed Rafael Ortega's game-winning grand slam. He pitched a scoreless seventh, however, allowing only a Josh Donaldson single.

Manager Dave Roberts said Gonsolin will make at least one more start.

Roberts also said the club expects to activate Enrique Hernandez (left hand) and Chris Taylor (left forearm) off the injured list on Tuesday. He noted left-hander Julio Urias will be stretched out during his suspension to provide a starting option for October. May could take over Urias’ long-relief role, which includes piggy-backing Kenta Maeda starts.

Gyorko had been on a rehab assignment after suffering back, hamstring and wrist injuries while with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was acquired on July 31 with cash and international bonus slot money for Tony Cingrani and Minor Leaguer Jeffry Abreu.

The Dodgers optioned right-hander Josh Sborz and infielder Edwin Ríos to Oklahoma City to make roster space for Gonsolin and Gyorko.