Gonsolin sprains ankle, will miss next start

March 6th, 2023

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers right-hander sustained a left ankle sprain while going through a drill on the backfields on Monday at Camelback Ranch. The team is listing him as day to day and he won’t make his scheduled start on Wednesday against the Mariners.

Michael Grove will start Wednesday instead.

Gonsolin went down to the ground as he walked off the field, immediately grabbing his left ankle. Once he got up from the ground, Gonsolin was taken back into the dugout to get checked out by the Dodgers’ medical team. After about five minutes, Gonsolin limped onto a cart and was driven to the Dodgers’ clubhouse.

“It was just a random freak thing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It wasn’t even in the act of fielding a ground ball or anything. So he’s day to day. We’ll see what happens.”

The right-hander isn’t expected to undergo further testing. Gonsolin had a noticeable limp as he left the facility, but the Dodgers believe it’s a minor injury. With a little over three weeks before Opening Day, Gonsolin should have enough time to build up if there are no setbacks. 

Still, with no definitive timetable for his next start, it’ll be worth keeping an eye on just how much this injury limits his buildup for the regular season. 

“I think we feel good,” Roberts said, when asked about Gonsolin’s Opening Day status. “I think we’ll know more after tomorrow to see how it responds. But I think where he’s built up to, I don’t think that’s a concern right now.” 

Gonsolin went two innings in his first tuneup against the Angels on Friday. He was scheduled to pitch at least three innings on Wednesday. Gonsolin was looking forward to coming into spring fully healthy after missing over a month with a right forearm injury in 2022. 

The Dodgers have dealt with bad injury news this spring. Starting shortstop Gavin Lux will miss the entire 2023 season after tearing his right ACL on Feb. 27 in a Cactus League game against the Padres.

Syndergaard, May shine Monday

and looked sharp in their second Cactus League appearances in the Dodgers’ 8-3 win over the Padres on Monday at Camelback Ranch. The duo combined to allow one hit over six scoreless innings. 

Syndergaard didn’t allow a baserunner in his three innings. His fastball velocity, which will be a topic of conversation all spring, was around 91-94 mph. His changeup and slider continued to stand out, however, eliciting a pair of awkward swings from Padres hitters. 

The Dodgers and Syndergaard continue to focus on improving the right-hander’s delivery and remain confident his velocity numbers will continue to improve as the season goes on. 

“If you’re focusing on your delivery, you’re not going to be able to throw it as hard,” Syndergaard said. “That's what was going on today and the last start, just figuring out how my body was moving in the most efficient way and trusting that and then adding the gas when I feel comfortable in my delivery.”

Roster notes

• The Dodgers made their first round of cuts this spring on Monday, sending pitchers Dylan Covey, Landon Knack, Robbie Erlin, Nick Nastrini, Bryan Hudson, Jordan Yamamoto, Nick Robertson and James Jones to Minor League camp. In addition, the Dodgers also sent outfielder Yusniel Díaz to the Minors.

Of the group, Knack has the best chance to impact the big league club this season. The Dodgers’ No. 20 prospect allowed two runs on three hits over 2 2/3 innings this spring. Díaz, who was the prospect sent to the Orioles in the Manny Machado trade, wasn’t expected to compete for a job this spring.

• Left-hander Justin Bruihl left Monday’s game in the ninth inning after facing two batters after experiencing back spasms/tightness, according to Roberts.

• David Peralta left Dodgers camp on Sunday to join Team Venezuela in Miami for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Freddie Freeman (Canada), Austin Barnes (Mexico), Trayce Thompson (Great Britain), and Will Smith and Mookie Betts (USA) will all join their respective teams starting Tuesday. Julio Urías will be back at Camelback Ranch on Wednesday to throw a bullpen before joining Mexico for their opener against Colombia on Saturday.