That’s our agenda today, boys and girls!
Tony Gonsolin
So, now we know for sure that an “elbow injury” is likely going to keep Tony Gonsolin out for the remainder of the season. That’s all we know – there’s a whole lot more to know but at this juncture that Dodgers and/or Tony Gonsolin ain’t sayin’. That’s typical, not only for the Dodgers but also for many other teams as well, and why not? As fans, we would like to know all this, but there is no reason for the Dodgers to say. Why? Well, if opponents knew what the medical diagnosis was, they may be able to figure out which pitches would hurt the most and wait for that. Who knows.
Tony did not conceal the injury to the Dodgers. They knew what he was dealing with, and most likely, the trainers and medical staff cleared him to pitch if he could withstand the pain. I would also assume that Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache was also consulted. If continuing to pitch would cause additional damage, I do not believe Tony or the Dodgers are so stupid as to continue down that road. Maybe Tony just needs rest, but I would speculate that he likely needs surgery of some sort.
Part of why Gonsolin kept going out there despite not being “100 percent” is the fact that the Dodgers have struggled with having enough available rotation arms. They’re in better shape now, thanks in part to the role Gonsolin played in providing them with innings even while he was ailing. “I do commend him wholeheartedly,” said Roberts. “I think he’s continued to gain the respect of the guys in the clubhouse and never made an excuse.” So, Tony was a good soldier – he did what he could to keep the Dodgers afloat, and if anyone thinks Tony “knew” how bad he was going to pitch yesterday and yet went ahead and pitched, they do not even meet the threshold of being a moron. Tony has had innings before where he gave up 5+ runs and then settled back in. I have nothing but praise for Tony Gonsolin! I look forward to him making a full recovery and being back in the rotation next year!
Dave Roberts
It seems to me that some of you want to pin The Gonsolin Affair on Doc Roberts. Let’s think about that for a moment because you obviously haven’t! Does Dave Roberts make out the roster? No, but he does have some input! Does he decide on the rotation? It’s a collaboration between Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, and the front office, as well as Mark Prior, Conner McGuinness, and others. Until recently, the Dodgers were limited to having to use Gonsolin. The training staff knew what was up, and so did all the coaches and the front office. Dave Roberts played the hand he was dealt, so there is no reason to shift any blame to him.
He has seen Tony struggle and then right the ship. We don’t know what Tony told Doc when he was taken out of the game after 3.1 innings, but we have seen him give up a handful of runs before and then settle down and pitch more innings. Doc knew he had a doubleheader the next day, so he would have loved for Toney to pitch 5 or 6 innings. The fact is he couldn’t. Quit blaming Doc – It’s like shooting the messenger!
Julio Urias
He’s back! In his last seven games, he is 5-1 with a 3.21 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP, but in August, he is 4-0 with a 1.44 ERA and a 0.72 WHIP. In his four August games, he has gone five innings, six innings, and seven innings in his last two starts. That there is Ace-Like Stuff! Lance Lynn is also pitching like he is re-born, and Bobby Miller is Bobby Ice! Add in Clayton and Ryan Pepiot, and they are locked and loaded. I know Yarbrough can start too, but I like him as a bulk innings eater a couple of times a week! Gavi9n Stone will likely get a call back as he has a 2.77 ERA in his last five starts.
The Bullpen continues to shine. as the relievers just broke into the TOP TEN for the season and now sit at 3.85 for their ERA. However, since June 20th, they have been Number One in Bullpen ERA. Does anyone still want to chant that Andrew Friedman can’t build a Championship bullpen? This team is looking more and more like a team that can win it all.
Mookie Betts
During the offseason, there were many discussions about whether Mookie was a “superstar” or not. Whether he was or not should not have been the issue. Was he playing like one? In 2021 and 2022, he was not! I said that he had to start playing like a superstar… and he has done that! From the leadoff spot, he has hit 34 HR, 32 Doubles, and walked 70 times. His BA is now at .298, and his OB% is .394. His OPS is a Superstar-esque .989! Wow! He is playing like the Superstar that he is.
We know he loves playing the infield, which could be part of his resurgence. I would not assume that 2B is where he should play, however. The Dodgers have a number of players who could handle 2B, including Rosario, Kike, Vargas, Busch, and Lux. Why not put Mookie at SS? He would automatically become one of the best, if not THE best SS in the game. I am sure that is a subject the Dodger Brass will consider in the offseason.
Finally, there is a lot of talk that JDM should be on the IL. Well, I will defer to the Dodgers medical staff. I don’t care if you did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night – that does not make you qualified to diagnose his injury. I mean, if they thought it would help, I am sure they would do it… and maybe they will. If not, there may be a reason why…
Down on the Farm
No, not Bob Evans!
- Busch & Vargas were both 2-4 last night – Vargas’s swing looks different…
- Shelby Miller pitched a scoreless inning, as did Ken Giles… hummm!
- Austin Gauthier is hitting .321 on the year with a .941 OPS split between GL and Tulsa.
- Diego Cartaya, with 3 BB and 2 Runs Scored is still at .185.
Discussion (15)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I’m really enjoying Quarterback. Bit like the Golf version, Full Swing.
Gotta be a Baseball one in the pipeline….
All time great tennis today between Djok and Alcaraz. Brutal conditions. Djok wins 7-6 in the third even though it looked like he would tap out in 2nd set. What a warrior!
Los Angeles Dodgers optioned RHP Ryan Pepiot to Oklahoma City Dodger
That’s according to MLB app dodger page .
Sorry to see that I was hoping to see more of Ryan
Well, it may be just rain, but there is a lot of it and flooding everywhere. Not to mention the 5.5 earthquake in Ojai.
As far as Matt Chapman, I’d rather go with Michael Busch.
Managers are not perfect, but Dave Roberts does just fine. Julio certainly is pitching better and they’ll need him to step up in the playoffs.
No question, Mookie is playing like a superstar and an MVP. Not to mention his versatility.
I’ve said this before, but I wish the Dodgers had kept Justin Turner, the face of the Dodgers along with Kershaw the past few years, a fan favorite and a very solid player who can play multiple positions,including second base. He’s having an excellent season and delivering a lot of clutch hits for the Red Sox. Yah, I know, the money and all, but why quibble?
Impressive defense, especially Kiki with the play on the final out.
Busch was pulled today in the 5th inning. No reason given. Sheehan has an ERA of 1.13 in OKC.
Surf was good early @ HB Pier. Pack of seals all over it. Long groundswell lefts that were showing yesterday. Rains getting heavy & feels like the winds are coming (currently 25-35 kts). Humid af too.
Monday the sun comes back and we clean the mess up.
The ‘98 storm had way bigger waves (15-20’) and beaches had heaps of bamboo & whatever. Spectacular sights as it was warm and sunny.
I’m glad the Dodgers got the double header in yesterday. As forecast, Southern CA is getting dumped on. It’s been raining steady since early AM today and the eye of the storm hasn’t even reached CA yet. We should be getting high winds in a few hours.
Sucks for Tony G. The one aspect of Dodger management over the last few years that has confused me is how they manage injuries. At time they are super quick to put somebody on the IL. Other times they seem to avoid it at all costs for reasons that escape me. And we know we are never being given the whole story. I hope Tony isn’t headed for TJ.
We will need the kids to continue to step up.
* Jake Burger was part of the lunch menu with the White Sox along with Oscar Colas. And he wasn’t very good. When he parted with Chicago on July 30, he was hitting .214. Since August 5th with The Marlins he’s hitting a cool .396. He was 5 for 11 against us this week end. Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, strikes again.
Kike was hitting .222 when he exited Boston. He’s hitting .282 with the Dodgers. He’s had a couple of errors but he has made some web gems at 3rd base.
They played last night’s game like they were double parked. 2:05. Nice.
Since there is no Dodger game for the next two days, I might go back and watch some of my favorite games from 21-22. Like Scherzer’s 7 inning perfect game when he struck out his 3000th batter, or Albert’s first AB for the Dodgers and his first homer. Trea Turner’s two grand slams in a week. Alberts 699th and 700th homers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers sweeping the Pads in a four-game series. Fun stuff. Or I might just do a Star Trek or Star Wars marathon. I have all of the movies on Blu-ray.
Matt Chapman is in 7th place for striking out the most this season.
I sure hope we don’t peak too soon. It seems in all sports the team(s) that get hot at the end carry that into the post season. I don’t know how to feel about Urias throwing 100 pitches in mid August. I wouldn’t mind seeing a maybe 70-80 pitch count limit from here out until we get to the playoffs.
No games for two days!
It wouldn’t be any fun if we couldn’t guess, have opinions, speculate, complain etc. Otherwise all that would be left would be to wait for press releases and read Bears nostalgia posts
Hate it for Tony, really good guy! Lot’s of players play through injuries and no one is to blame. It was plainly obvious he wasn’t even close to what he was last year pre-injury. Pray he gets healthy before next season, he’s a solid #4 if healthy. Barnes sure picked a good time to come alive ! Will is not hitting the ball at all like he’s capable and though Barnes ain’t going to sniff .250 he’s made some valuable contributions over last few games! I totally agree with Old Bear regarding Muncy. I think we have seen the last of Max hitting over .200. Lot of talk around Max going to full time DH next year. Why? His defense ain’t the biggest issue! It’s all the swing and miss stuff . I like him but Bush needs a chance! And if Bush isn’t in plans go get Chapman. Max doesn’t move runners and takes way too many first pitch strikes! Guess I’ll have withdrawals today with no game! Watch nascar and hope Chase Elliott wins! Hopefully everyone will be safe on west coast. On to Cleveland and keep it rolling! Don’t take them lightly, Tito is a great manager and they always have great pitching! We just faced 3 with the Marlins and it was tough! Happy Sunday everyone!
Mark, would you please tell my financial advisor the HE needs to start playing like a superstar. Because he certainly wasn’t in 21 or 22 either!