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By Noah Camras
Contributing Sports Writer
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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a major update on two key players following the team's final Cactus League game before they travel to Japan for the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs.
First, Roberts revealed that All-Star right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin would open the season on the injured list after suffering an injury while lifting weights. That injury opened the door for right-hander Dustin May to secure the team's No. 5 starter spot.
Read more: Dodgers' $5.4 Million All-Star Suffers Injury, Won't Be in Starting Rotation to Open Season
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Then, Roberts said offseason acquisition Hyeseong Kim would open the season in Triple-A, and won't travel with the team to Japan.
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Shortly after Roberts' announcement, the Dodgers made things official, optioning Kim as well as right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller to the minors. Additionally, the team reassigned right-handed pitcher Giovanny Gallegos, catcher Dalton Rushing, infielders David Bote and Michael Chavis, and outfielder Eddie Rosario to minor league camp.
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Dodgers' Tony Gonsolin Starting 2025 Season on Injured List
Gonsolin hasn't pitched since August 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The right-hander went 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 2022 but had a 4.98 ERA in 2023 before going under the knife.
The one-time All-Star made three rehab appearances last season in an attempt to return for the postseason. However, the Dodgers elected not to activate him, and instead have him go through a normal spring before returning.
Unfortunately for the 30-year-old, he suffered an unfortunate injury while lifting weights and now faces yet another roadblock as he attempts to return to the mound for L.A.
Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim Starting 2025 Season in Triple-A
The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million this offseason, and shortly thereafter traded infielder Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds.
It was assumed Kim would take Lux's spot in the lineup and at second base, however, the Dodgers knew he would have a potentially difficult transition to major league pitching.
The velocity in MLB is much faster than the Korean Baseball Organization, and Kim struggled in Cactus League play, hitting 6-for-29 (.207) with one home run, three RBIs, and 11 strikeouts.
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So, the Dodgers won't rush him to the big leagues, and will instead allow the 26-year-old time to develop in the minors.
That opens the door for Tommy Edman to play second base, and one of Andy Pages or James Outman to be the center fielder.
Dodgers Option 2 Players, Reassign 5 to Minor League Camp
Finally, the Dodgers officially optioned Kim as well as Miller, who was hit in the head by a 105.5 mph line drive in the Cactus League opener and hasn't returned to game action since.
As for the other reassignments, the biggest standout was Bote, who hit .400 with an OPS of 1.171 across 30 Cactus League at-bats.
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