In a notable move announced on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers revealed that pitcher Tony Gonsolin has officially entered free agency. Additionally, catcher Ben Rortvedt has been claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. With these changes, the Dodgers’ 40-man roster now stands at 39 players.
Tony Gonsolin’s Career Journey
Tony Gonsolin was drafted in the sixth round in 2016 from St. Mary’s College of California. He made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2019. Gonsolin’s breakthrough season came in 2020 when he finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting. He played a significant role in the Dodgers’ championship run that year.
All-Star Season and Recent Struggles
Gonsolin achieved his first and only All-Star selection in 2021, finishing the season with an impressive 16-1 record and a 2.14 ERA over 24 starts. Unfortunately, his performance deteriorated following the 2022 season. In 2023, he posted a 4.98 ERA across 103 innings. His final start occurred against the Miami Marlins, where he allowed 10 earned runs before it was announced that he would need Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2024 season.
Injury Setbacks
Gonsolin returned to the mound on April 30, 2025, against the same Marlins. He managed six additional starts before experiencing right elbow discomfort on June 7. Subsequently, he underwent elbow surgery in mid-August, which effectively ended his ongoing season. He was designated for assignment on November 6 but was not claimed by any team.
Ben Rortvedt’s Brief Tenure with the Dodgers
Ben Rortvedt joined the Dodgers via a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. He spent approximately a month with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets. Following an injury to regular catcher Will Smith, Rortvedt was called up for additional support. He played in 18 regular-season games, achieving a batting line of .224/.309/.327, which included one home run and four RBIs across 58 plate appearances.
Postseason Participation
Rortvedt started in both games of the Wild Card series against the Reds. However, upon Will Smith’s return for the National League Division Series (NLDS), Rortvedt found himself on the bench, registering just one at-bat against the Phillies, and did not play again for the remainder of the postseason.
Conclusion
The Dodgers face significant roster adjustments with Gonsolin entering free agency and Rortvedt moving to the Reds. These developments mark notable transitions for both players and highlight the ongoing changes within the Dodgers’ lineup heading into the offseason.
