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After getting star outfielder Cody Bellinger back in the lineup, the Dodgers are looking to have a full rotation once again. Despite going about a month with only 4 starters, the Dodgers still find themselves within 2 games of first place. With more than half of the season still remaining for the Dodgers, they seem to be in a pretty good spot. Especially if they can avoid serious injuries down the stretch.
Dustin May injured
Dustin May was the fifth starter heading into the 2021 season. He had beaten Tony Gonsolin for those honors and was living up to the hype by pitching with a 2.74 ERA. However, his last appearance of the season came on May 1st when he injured his ulnar collateral ligament. That injury will cost him the rest of the season as May will require Tommy John surgery.
Tony Gonsolin is the next man up for the Dodgers but has been dealing with injuries as well. He has not pitched for the Dodgers all season due to right shoulder inflammation. He is scheduled to have one more start in the minors as he looks to wrap up his rehab assignment. Gonsolin currently doesn’t have the same electric stuff that May has but he can definitely develop that with some more major league experience.
Gonsolin expected to eat innings
He isn’t expected to go deep into games either. For the most part, he’s there to eat innings to give the bullpen some rest. However, Roberts has also made it apparent that he will still have a few bullpen games scheduled for the Dodgers to give the rotation some rest as well. Gonsolin is definitely capable of going 5 innings in most of his starts. The bullpen will get a much needed break for the next month or so.
The Dodgers have a relatively average month ahead in June. They have some big matchups in store against division rivals, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. The Giants series will only be 2 games at the end of the month. They will take on the Padres in San Diego for 3 games in the middle of the month. So 5 key matchups in June which should benefit the Dodgers as they look to have Gonsolin settle in the rotation.
Gonsolin expected to start on next road trip
Gonsolin is likely to pitch on the Dodgers’ next road trip when they take on the Pirates and will probably be used again against the Diamondbacks.
