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In a major boost to an already formidable pitching staff, the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that right-hander Tony Gonsolin will make his highly anticipated return to the mound this week, marking his first Major League start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. Gonsolin’s comeback adds yet another powerful arm to a rotation that is quickly becoming one of the most intimidating in all of baseball.

The Dodgers’ rotation, already anchored by Japanese superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto, flame-throwing Dustin May, and international sensation Roki Sasaki, will now include Gonsolin—an All-Star caliber pitcher known for his command, competitiveness, and unique pitch mix. His return not only deepens the staff but potentially reshapes the National League playoff picture.

Gonsolin’s road back to the mound has been long and grueling. After sustaining a torn ulnar collateral ligament midway through the 2023 season, he underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that has derailed many careers but has also seen a growing number of successful comebacks in recent years. The 30-year-old righty spent months rehabbing at the Dodgers’ spring training complex, gradually building up arm strength and refining his mechanics.

“It’s been a tough journey, but I’m thrilled to be back,” Gonsolin said during a press conference on Tuesday. “This organization supported me every step of the way. I can’t wait to get back out there and contribute.”

Manager Dave Roberts expressed his excitement about Gonsolin’s return and emphasized the impact it could have moving forward.

“Tony has worked incredibly hard to get to this point,” Roberts said. “He’s a competitor, and having him back gives us even more flexibility and firepower in our rotation. We’ll manage his innings carefully, but he’s ready.”

Before the injury, Gonsolin had established himself as a key piece of the Dodgers’ pitching staff. In 2022, he went 16–1 with a 2.14 ERA, earning his first All-Star selection. Known for his deceptive delivery and nasty splitter, Gonsolin was one of the league’s toughest matchups when healthy.

Now, he joins a Dodgers rotation that’s already making headlines. Yamamoto, the prized offseason acquisition, has quickly adjusted to Major League Baseball, mixing a devastating splitter with pinpoint fastballs. Dustin May, who returned from his own Tommy John procedure last season, is once again flashing elite velocity and sink. And Roki Sasaki, the 22-year-old phenom from Japan, has shown poise and command beyond his years in his debut MLB campaign.

With Gonsolin in the mix, the Dodgers now boast four potential aces, each bringing a unique style to the mound. Few teams in baseball can match that level of depth and upside, especially with Clayton Kershaw also eyeing a return later this summer.

“Every night, it feels like we’re watching a No. 1 starter,” said catcher Will Smith. “Adding Tony back into that mix just makes us even tougher.”

The Dodgers, who currently lead the National League West, are positioning themselves as early favorites not just for the division crown but for another deep postseason run. With their rotation finally nearing full strength and their offense clicking, the return of Gonsolin could be the final piece in a championship puzzle.

His first start back is expected to be at home against the San Diego Padres, a team Gonsolin has had success against in the past. Fans at Dodger Stadium are already buzzing with anticipation, eager to welcome back a key contributor.

For Gonsolin, it’s more than just a return—it’s a redemption story. And for the Dodgers, it’s another powerful weapon in their relentless pursuit of October glory.