Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin will open the 2025 season on the injured list, manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday.

Gonsolin injured his back while lifting weights and is now heading for the IL to open the season. Right-handed pitcher Dustin May will be the team’s No. 5 starter.

Gonsolin entered camp in a competition with May and Bobby Miller for the No. 5 starter spot. He appeared to be the favorite as the player with the most starting experience, however, a minor injury has now cost him a spot on the Opening Day roster.

May, who’s coming off his best performance of the Cactus League last week when he threw three shutout with three strikeouts, will stay in Arizona and continue to build up to be the team’s No. 5 starter. His first start of the regular season would line up for April 1, giving him plenty of time to continue his ramp up.

Both Gonsolin and May missed the entire 2024 seasons after undergoing surgery in 2023.

Gonsolin had Tommy John surgery, and made three rehab appearances in 2024 but didn’t end up getting activated for the postseason run.

May had a Tommy John revision surgery in 2023, and worked his way back in 2024 before suffering a torn esophagus after eating a piece of lettuce. He had emergency surgery that saved his life.

May’s long battle back has culminated in winning the No. 5 starter job. As for Gonsolin, he’ll hope his back injury isn’t too big of a setback in what was supposed to be a bounce back year for the 2022 All-Star.