Dodgers Have Set Return Date For All-Star Tony Gonsolin

Tony Gonsolin has had the breakout season of the year for the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 16-1 with a 2.10 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. With fellow ace Walker Buehler already long gone and done for the season, when Gonsolin hit the injured list with forearm soreness at the end of August, it was a huge blow to LA's rotation. 

But after over a month, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally just about here, as manager Dave Roberts says that Gonsolin will come off the IL to start on Monday. 

The injury turned out being worse than originally feared, and Gonsolin has been out over a month. But Roberts said the 28-year-old's rehab start this week “went really well” and he plans to have him start and go three innings against the Colorado Rockies on Monday. 

After that, the goal is to have Gonsolin build up enough through bullpen sessions over the following week or so, that he'll be ready to go at least four innings when the NLDS begins.

The Dodgers, as runaway winners of the NL West, and best overall record in the National League, will have nearly a week's rest after the end of the regular season on Wednesday, while the Wild Card series play out over next weekend. 

This was Gonsolin's first full year as a starter in the majors and the results were obviously spectacular, as he made his first All-Star team, and was a solid contender for the Cy Young Award in the NL before his injury. 

Photos: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports, MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL / USA TODAY NETWORK