Gonsolin to IL with shoulder inflammation
Before Sunday’s series finale against the Rockies, the Dodgers placed right-hander Tony Gonsolin on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to Thursday. Los Angeles recalled right-hander Dennis Santana to the active roster.
“That shoulder inflammation is something that has kind of been lingering the last few days,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think it’s more just being cautious with Tony with him obviously being such a big part of our club.”
Roberts said Gonsolin was unavailable to pitch out of the bullpen in Los Angeles’ 6-5 win over Colorado on Saturday because the team wanted to see how he felt on Sunday. After Gonsolin played catch before the game, the Dodgers felt it was best to place the right-hander on the IL.
There is no definitive timetable for Gonsolin's return. He won’t be eligible to come off the injured list until next Sunday.
“We’ll see how he progresses,” Roberts said.
Gonsolin went 2-2 with a 2.31 ERA in nine appearances (eight starts) for the Dodgers last season. After Gonsolin battled with Dustin May and David Price for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, Los Angeles opted to go with Gonsolin and Price in the bullpen as “leverage” multi-inning relievers.
With Gonsolin headed to the IL for at least a week, the Dodgers elected to call up Santana from the team’s taxi squad. Santana was one of the top performers for Los Angeles this spring, but the club opted to go with left-hander Scott Alexander to round out its roster.
Santana showed increased velocity and good command this spring. The Dodgers will lean on him as a multi-inning reliever.
Interleague play
The Dodgers begin a three-game road series against the A’s on Monday, giving them their first chance to use a designated hitter this season. Few teams benefited from the universal DH last season more than Los Angeles, and it's expected to take full advantage of it over the next three games.
Roberts said Max Muncy is scheduled to be the team’s DH on Monday, while Justin Turner will do it on Tuesday. The Dodgers are still undecided on what to do Wednesday before Thursday’s scheduled off-day.
“I think if you talk to most players, a DH day is like an off-day,” Roberts said. “And for the team, you still get their bat in there. I do believe the way we kind of shared that duty [last season] was beneficial for our club.”
The Dodgers have been cautious with workloads in the opening series against the Rockies. Mookie Betts and Turner got the day off on Saturday, while Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger were out of the starting lineup on Sunday.