The Dodgers Intentionally Pushed Tony Gonsolin Back Off Regular Rest

Tony Gonsolin is dealing with all over body-itus.

When the Dodgers went with a bullpen game on Sunday, much to the surprise of some. Sunday's game would have been regular rest for Tony Gonsolin, if the Dodgers opted to give him the start. Instead, for a number of reasons, Caleb Ferguson got the start as the opener as Gonsolin gets a few more days of rest.

From what Dave Roberts told reporters over the weekend, Tony might really need it.

"With Tony, the recovery hasn't been great," Roberts said. "So I think that trying to appreciate the short and the long term and make sure we take care of him, his health. Making sure the recovery is where it needs to be. We just felt that it's the best for him."

Roberts noted that Gonsolin's issues were not related to his past shoulder, elbow, or recent ankle issues and that it's more "overall body" residual soreness after starts. Something that's apparently been an issue over his career.

"He's never been a great in between start guy, but I still believe that in talking to our pitching guys, that just the recovery is just not where it has been. So, there's no smoke, it's just more of just so then seeing that what can we do to kind of put them in the best position to have great outings when he does pitch."

Before the season, Gonsolin shared that his offseason work focused on being better prepared to pitch all the way through the season and avoiding nagging or debilitating injuries like he's suffered in each of the last two seasons.

When healthy, the 29-year-old has pitched well, posting a 2.21 ERA in 8 starts since coming off the injured list late in April. At times, he's been electric pumping 95mph+ fastballs by hitters, complimenting his devastating splitter. However, he can also live more in 90-92 range, something Roberts took note of.

Gonsolin will start on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium with two days of extra rest. Will that more more 95mph heat?