Dodgers add Ryan Ward and Robinson Ortiz to 40-man roster; DFA Tony Gonsolin, waive Justin Dean and Michael Grove

LOS ANGELES — Just days after hoisting the franchise’s eighth World Series trophy, the Dodgers’ offseason has already started with some significant roster reshuffling. On Thursday, the Dodgers announced they have added outfielder Ryan Ward and left-handed pitcher Robinson Ortiz to the 40-man roster, protecting both from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.

To make room, outfielder Justin Dean and right-hander Michael Grove, and in the most eye-opening move, designated right-hander Tony Gonsolin for assignment — a decision that closes a memorable but injury-marred chapter in Dodger history.

The DFA of Gonsolin is the kind of move that stings both the clubhouse and fans alike. Once a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation depth, Gonsolin underwent his second Tommy John surgery this past August and is expected to miss all of 2026 — the final year of his contract before hitting free agency.

A ninth-round pick in 2016, Gonsolin debuted in 2019 and quickly emerged as one of the Dodgers’ most reliable arms. He finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2020. 

His breakout came in 2022, when he earned an NL All-Star nod, going 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts across 24 starts. Over six seasons, the 31-year-old righty compiled a 37-13 record with a 3.34 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 86 appearances (78 starts). However, after multiple injuries and two elbow reconstructions, the Dodgers appear to be looking ahead rather than hoping for another comeback story.

While Gonsolin’s departure grabs headlines, the addition of Ryan Ward and Robinson Ortiz reflects the organization’s forward-looking approach.

Ward, 27, forced the Dodgers’ hand with an MVP season for Triple-A Oklahoma City, slashing .290/.380/.557 with 36 home runs, 122 RBI, and 73 extra-base hits — all tops in Minor League Baseball. The left-handed slugger was named Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player and now finds himself protected from the Rule 5 Draft ahead of the November 18 deadline.

Ortiz, 25, finished the 2025 campaign strong after bouncing between levels of the Dodgers’ system. The Dominican-born posted a 2.76 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 16.1 innings for Oklahoma City and continues to show the kind of raw stuff that could earn him a bullpen role in 2026.

Justin Dean, who became a postseason folk hero, was also removed from the 40-man roster. Dean’s heads-up play in the ninth inning of Game 6 of the World Series — when he signaled to umpires that a ball was lodged under the outfield wall, preventing a potential game-tying run — was one of the defining moments of the championship run.

Dean made his MLB debut this season, appearing in 18 regular-season games, primarily as a late-inning defensive replacement.

Meanwhile, Michael Grove’s tenure takes an uncertain turn. Once viewed as a potential rotation piece, Grove has battled injuries throughout his career and missed all of 2025 after undergoing right shoulder surgery in March. With more than three years of service time, Grove can elect free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment to the minors.

For a team coming off a World Series victory, change can come quickly. The Dodgers’ latest roster shuffle reflects the balance between celebrating the past and preparing for the future. As the club eyes another deep run in 2026, they’ll do so with a younger crop of talent.

The dominos, indeed, continue to fall.