Tony Gonsolin Activated From Injured List, Set To Make Royals Debut

What is the purpose of a player returning for the final six games of the regular season? To prove he is healthy.

That is the case with right-handed starter Tony Gonsolin, who was activated Tuesday off the 15-day injured list by the Kansas City Royals. Right-handed reliever Spencer Bivens was optioned to the Arizona Complex League. The minor-league season is complete at all levels, although there are young players and rehabbing players at the various team complexes.

The 32-year-old Gonsolin is a unique case in that the Royals signed him Aug. 13 and placed the right-hander on the 15-day injured list. He underwent the internal brace procedure on his right elbow in August 2025 and made four starts, pitching 16⅓ innings at Triple-A Omaha. Gonsolin will most likely make a start Friday against the Cleveland Guardians at home in his lone appearance this year. The Royals currently do not have a starter announced for that game.

Gonsolin, who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed a prorated $1 million contract for this year with a club option for 2027.

Bivens was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Sept. 12 after four MLB appearances in two stints, allowing eight runs over five innings with four walks and eight strikeouts. Bivens was optioned to Triple-A Omaha after being claimed. He was called up Saturday but did not appear in either of the two games vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates.