Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025
On an overcast Wednesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers completed their sweep of the Miami Marlins 12-to-7. For the first time since August 18, 2023, Gonsolin pitched in a major league game and was brilliant for six innings. Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman blasted home runs, and Austin Barnes had three hits. Yoendrys Gomez struggled in the ninth but could preserve the victory.
Before Gonsolin injured his elbow, he was one of the Dodger elite starters. At no time during the 2023 season was he healthy, but he never complained while understanding the Dodgers’ pitching situation. Without Gonsolin’s unselfishness, the Dodgers probably wouldn’t have gone to the NLDS, where the Arizona Diamondbacks swept the Dodgers. Gonsolin could have returned last September, but the Dodgers wanted to make sure his right elbow was healthy and ready for this season.
During spring training, Gonsolin looked great and could pitch every time he was scheduled until he injured his back in the weight room. Delaying his start to the 2025 season was the best thing for the Dodgers. Earlier this season, unless the Dodgers went with the six-man starting rotation, they didn’t have any room for him. Many Dodger pundits wanted to put Dustin May in the bullpen, but so far this season, he has looked like he belongs in the rotation.
Gonsolin was brilliant in his return even though he allowed three runs over six innings, which is a quality start. His pitches looked sharp and crisp. He had perfect control, which is unusual for a returning pitcher, while striking out nine.
Max Muncy hit his first home run in the 2025 season. Although Muncy is a notorious slow starter, his home run drought was the longest in his major league career. At 34, Muncy had stress about not hitting a home run. The relief on every Dodger’s face was priceless.
Tommy Edman couldn’t play on Wednesday because he tweaked his ankle in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game. Edman and the Dodgers hope he can return on Friday against the Atlanta Braves, when the Dodgers begin a 10-game road trip.
