Brusdar Graterol has proven to be an invaluable member of the Dodgers bullpen since making his debut in 2020 as a 21-year-old.
For parts of five seasons, “Bazooka” has compiled a terrific 2.69 ERA — allowing only 147 hits and nine homers in 181 innings pitched. The movement on his pitches are elite (as is his stuff). Graterol’s ability to remain calm under pressure made him a favorite high-leverage selection for the coaching staff during the postseason.
This situation bared itself out when Graterol helped the Dodgers win the World Series versus the New York Yankees despite barely featuring in the regular season.
Graterol has yet to pitch this season. The front office has been waiting on pins and needles for his eventual return. Graterol has been dealing with rehabilitating from shoulder surgery he underwent after last year ended. The hopes are for him to hit the ground running and once again regain his standing as one of the most significant impact relievers on the ballclub.
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Unfortunately for the Boys in Blue, Roberts recently said he is operating under the assumption that right-handed reliever will not return for the regular season. Having said that, Roberts has not officially ruled out Graterol appearing in the postseason.
This isn’t exactly ideal news for the Dodgers considering the current volatility and ambiguity surrounding the bullpen at the moment.
As mentioned above, Graterol has elite stuff. His composure is arguably his greatest trait among a list of very good ones including a 100-plus mph fastball and phenomenal athleticism for a man his size.
As has been the case in recent weeks, the Dodgers are searching for stability in the backend of their ‘pen.
Blake Treinen has been decent, though not phenomenal since coming back healthy. Alex Vesia recently was reactivated after a stint on the IL. Tanner Scott remains an enigma with his shocking struggles. Additionally, Michael Kopech also just returned from a lengthy injury
Brusdar Graterol making one of the Greatest Catches of All Time.
Effortlessly firing 99mph ?? while simultaneously catching his Gold Chain with this throwing hand. ? pic.twitter.com/FL1yPrcPGP
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 28, 2024
If Graterol is healthy enough to throw, given the trust Roberts has in him, there’s little doubt he’d be on the postseason roster.
At this point, it appears to be a major waiting game for the hard-throwing reliever.
More news: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts May Not Use Tanner Scott in High-Leverage Opportunities For Now
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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