Brusdar Graterol was pulled from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday due to a potential back injury, marking the latest hurdle as he tries to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Graterol has not pitched at the Major League level since making three appearances in the 2024 World Series. Those came at the end of what was an injury-plagued year that’s since been followed by more health issues.
After another possible setback, Graterol offered a motivational message and said he has not lost hope in eventually pitching for the Dodgers again.
Baseball is not easy
But it's no reason to give up.
LFG— brusdar graterol (@BrusdarGraterol) May 16, 2026
Graterol’s injury troubles began in 2024, when he was plagued by shoulder and hamstring issues that limited him to just seven regular-season appearances.
While he managed to pitch in that year’s Fall Classic, Graterol underwent right shoulder surgery during the offseason and has since endured multiple setbacks during his recovery process.
The right-hander made four appearances for the Comets prior to sustaining the potential back injury. He allowed three runs on four hits and walked three in 3.1 innings pitched.
Graterol’s fastball velocity was down just over three mph from his other games, whereas there was close to a four mph difference in the sinker. The cutter had the biggest discrepancy as Graterol had been averaging 96.4 mph on his rehab assignment.
It isn’t clear how long Graterol could be sidelined with his possible back injury. He is due to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Brusdar Graterol among Dodgers pitchers injuries
Graterol is among a flurry of Dodgers pitchers who have been lost to injury this month. Over the past week-and-a-half, Tyler Glasnow, Brock Stewart and Blake Snell have all landed on the 15-day injured list.
Glasnow is dealing with back spams, Stewart has a bone spur in his left foot and Snell will undergo surgery on Tuesday to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The operation will be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
“It’s going to be to take out those loose bodies, and it’s supposed to be a quicker recovery. So we’re encouraged about that,” Roberts said of Snell. “Expect him back this season, don’t really know a timetable. But I think with the MRI, the scans and everything, we feel good about getting back to play sooner rather than later.”
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