Dodgers Designating Former All-Star For Assignment

Gonsolin Struggled To Stay Healthy

The right-hander was slated to be the Dodgers fifth starter coming into the season Unfortunately, he landed on the Injured List before Spring Training ended. He was coming off his first Tommy John surgery which made him miss all of 2024. He has had flashes of brilliance in his career when healthy. In 2022, the right-hander went 16-1 with a 2.14 Earned Run Average.

Long Man Left Off

Gonsolin was not the only one on the chopping block. Michael Grove, a journey-man reliever was also left off the 40-man roster. Grove was also coming off a major shoulder injury which has plagued him since the end of last season. It is unclear whether. or not this injury had anything to do his high E.RA. He will not be a free agent until the 2028 season.

Who Was Added to the Roster?

It appears the Dodgers needed the room on their roster. They have added Robinson Ortiz and outfielder Ryan Ward to the 40-man. This protects both players from being plucked in the Rule 5 Draft. Ortiz has been effective out of the bullpen with a 3.48 E.R.A. when healthy. He missed 2022-23 with an injury, but the Dodger relief core could use an effective arm in 2026.

Outfielder Ryan Ward tore it up offensively at Triple-A Oklahoma City last year. He was named the Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player in 2025. He was due to test free agency this year had he not been added to the roster.

One Other Note

Outfielder Justin Dean who was used as a defensive replacement during the Dodgers postseason run was claimed by the San Francisco Giants today.