It might be a while before the man known as “Bazooka” takes the mound at Dodger Stadium.
The 26-year-old Brusdar Graterol out of Venezuela has not pitched this season in the wake of dealing with a shoulder issue. As one recalls last year, Graterol pitched sparingly in the 2024-25 regular season before being a key cog in the bullpen during the World Series title run.
More news: Dodgers Continue to Downplay Rivalry With Padres, Say San Diego Cares Way More
The hopes were that Graterol would once again get healthy ahead of the expected postseason run.
Manager Dave Roberts was asked about his status before Wednesday’s loss to the Angels. Unfortunately for those who support the Boys in Blue, Roberts offered a very sobering take on the powerful right-handed reliever.
According to the manager, there is a “small, small chance” Graterol pitches this season.
This is another crushing blow to the Dodgers’ bullpen — which has been ravaged by injuries and most recently poor pitching. Graterol is one of the more trusted arms in the ‘pen given his composure under pressure and his 100 mph heater.
With Graterol likely not back, the deck is going to be further reshuffled. Evan Phillips is already lost for the year. Blake Treinen has been ineffective after recently returning to the fold from an injury of his own. Michael Kopech is still working his way back. Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott remained sidelined. Trade deadline acquisition Brock Stewart just recently was sidelined with shoulder inflammation.
At this point in time, the current assortment of bullpen arms looks nothing like the projected group many believed Los Angeles would field prior to the year starting.
Right now, the Dodgers are heavily leaning on Alex Vesia, Anthony Banda, and Ben Casparius — with a host of younger players (Justin Wrobleski, Edgardo Henriquez, Jack Dreyer) meshing with veterans Treinen and Alexis Diaz.
If the bullpen doesn’t get healthy, and by proxy more effective in the upcoming weeks, the Dodgers will have a major problem heading into the postseason (assuming the team earns one of the spots).
What was a nine-game lead has quickly evaporated, and the Dodgers are now looking up at the San Diego Padres in the NL West standings.
More news: Does Andrew Friedman Regret Quiet Trade Deadline? Dodgers President Answers
Photo Credit: Brian Rothmuller-Imagn Images
Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!