Marlins vs Dodgers Pick: LA’s Gonsolin Makes 1st Appearance Since 2023 (April 30)

• Our Marlins vs Dodgers pick assesses LA’s Tony Gonsolin making his MLB return against last-place Miami
• Gonsolin has not pitched for the Dodgers since August 2023 due to Tommy John surgery and a back strain
• The Marlins send Cal Quantrill to the mound
• LA is battling with the Giants and Padres for 1st place in the NL West; Miami has fallen into last place in the NL East

Miami Is Fading After a Surprisingly Good Start

After 15 games, the Marlins were a surprising 8-7. Since then, they have stumbled and fallen into last place in the NL East. They send veteran righty Cal Quantrill to the mound for the final game of their series at Dodger Stadium.

Quantrill’s ERA is an unsightly 7.83, but it’s slightly misleading. He has had two terrible starts, surrendering 7 and 6 earned runs; one mediocre start in which he gave up 4 runs; and two good starts, giving up no runs and 3 runs.

Against Quantrill, the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts is 2 for 9 with a home run. Michael Conforto is 1 for 6 with a homer. Freddie Freeman is 8 for 15 with 2 doubles and a triple. Teoscar Hernandez is 5 for 18 with a double and a homer. Shohei Ohtani is 5 for 16 with 2 doubles. And Andy Pages is 3 for 5 with a home run.

Marlins outfielder Griffin Conine is out with a dislocated shoulder.

Gonsolin Makes His 1st Start Since 2023

Righty Tony Gonsolin was almost a forgotten man in the Dodgers’ star-studded clubhouse. But in 2022, he was one of their key starters with a 16-1 record, a 2.14 ERA, and an All-Star selection.

In 2023, he struggled and subsequently underwent Tommy John surgery. As he was set to return this season, he suffered a back strain. Now, with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow injured, they need innings from Gonsolin.

The only Marlins hitter Gonsolin has faced is Jesus Sanchez. Sanchez is 1 for 4 with a single.

Although the defending World Series champion Dodgers are winning, their hitting has been sporadic, and they’ve played .500 ball since an 8-0 start. . They are, as always, hitting plenty of home runs.

Max Muncy is batting below .200 and has no home runs. Conforto has been terrible, also batting under .200.

Ohtani, of course, has an OPS of over .900. Teoscar Hernandez is near the league lead in home runs.

Marlins vs Dodgers Pick: LA Will Knock Quantrill Around

The Dodgers have had past success against Quantrill, and that will continue in this matchup. In his first start in so long, Gonsolin will be on a pitch count and should not be expected to go more than 3-4 innings. LA will have a plan to get the last 15 or so outs with their bullpen and will take this game easily.