Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol, who has not pitched since the 2024 World Series, went through another setback on his way back to the mound.
Graterol has been pulled from his rehabilitation assignment to undergo evaluation after his back flared up, per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
There will be imaging and tests on the pitcher to determine exactly what is wrong, though this will create a clear setback for Graterol, who was hoping to join the team as soon as possible.
Jul 7, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers trainer Nate Lucero speaks with relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol (48) during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
News of Graterol’s injury came around the same time as Blake Snell was put on the injured list. If Graterol does, in fact, go on the IL, he will continue the team’s injury run.
Graterol missed the entire 2025 season recovering from shoulder surgery, one of the more devastating injuries any pitcher can suffer, due to the complex nature of the part of the arm.
Despite hopes that Graterol could potentially come back at the end of 2025, he ended up missing out on the action, though he entered Spring Training with a clean bill of health and ready to get back to pitching.
However, he failed to make an appearance during spring ball after getting shut down due to velocity concerns.
He has spent the start of the year trying to rest his body and figure out the velocity problems, which have led to a Triple-A Oklahoma City rehabilitation assignment.
How has Graterol done in the minor leagues
During four appearances, Graterol has mainly struggled. He had a strong start during his first outing, needing fewer than 10 pitches to complete an inning’s worth of work.
However, he has struggled. On the whole, he has pitched 3.1 innings and allowed four hits, three runs, three walks, with just three strikeouts.
Sep 29, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol (48) celebrates the team’s 6-2 win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park.
His ERA totals at 8.10, and his velocity was down during his final appearance before the back injury was picked up.
With the results looking rough, it was likely the Dodgers would need to give Graterol more time even before the injury, and now he will certainly require a break.
LA Baseball Report
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