Dodgers News: Tony Gonsolin Finally Throws Off a Mound, Return Still a Ways Away

The Cat Man is getting better each day

At the beginning of the month, the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered some upsetting news as we learned righty Tony Gonsolin would miss some time due to a sprained ankle. Gonsolin rolled his left ankle during a drill and has been out since then. 

However, we learned on Friday from LA Times Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris that Gonsolin is now throwing off the mound. 

Tony Gonsolin is throwing off a mound right now

Good sign for his recovery from a sprained ankle pic.twitter.com/CN8DZ1iC9H

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 24, 2023

This is an excellent progression for the Cat Man as the Dodgers remain thin in their rotation. Although he still won't be ready for Opening Day, it's always great to see development from players.

The report out of camp is that the right-hander may not be back with the team until late in April, so his fill-in, Ryan Pepiot, will have a nice opportunity to establish himself over a few weeks.  

Dodgers reporter Kirsten Watson caught up with Gonsolin earlier this week, and he says he's getting better step by step. 

“Trying to make small progressions when you can...trying not to overdo it and finding that right balance.” @goooose15
15 talks about being in the right mind space and ready to go. pic.twitter.com/xnMLAh2OWS

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 23, 2023

The 28-year-old had a surprisingly great 2022 campaign. He earned his first All-Star selection and was a front-runner in the 2022 NL Cy Young award before suffering a forearm injury in the back half of the season. 

Gonsolin was on another stratosphere in 2022, having a 16-1 record, 2.14 ERA, 119 strikeouts, and a 0.87 WHIP in 24 games and 130.1 innings. He will look to repeat that performance in 2023, but we are still unsure when he will return. 

The righty was only able to pitch in one spring training game and had two strikeouts in two innings. We wish the best for the Cat Man, and we're hoping to see him help out the Dodgers on the mound sooner rather than later.