The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs, 5-3, on Thursday, but not without an injury scare to another one of their key relief pitchers.
Brusdar Graterol was called on to take over after Tony Gonsolin in the eighth inning, but he only threw four pitches and retired one batter prior to exiting the game with Dodgers trainer Nate Lucero due to what the club described as right side soreness.
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Graterol was dealing with a cramp in the area around his ribs and a decision to remove him was made out of caution.
“We checked him out, and it all checked out fine,” Roberts said. “He was certain that he was fine. We just felt that it just made sense not to push him or put him in harm’s way at all.
“A cramp could be an oblique, so I just felt at that time we take him out of the game and evaluate him, which we did. And then [Friday], we’ll see how he comes in and potentially do some testing on him.”
Roberts said the team hopes Graterol would avoid being placed on the 15-day injured list, but he could not rule it out.
“You know, we’re hopeful that it doesn’t come to that,” Roberts began. “But given where we’re at in the season, it’s certainly not off the table.”
If there is anything more than just a cramp, the Dodgers will have a better understanding of the severity if Graterol gets more testing on Friday and they see how he feels.
Graterol has pitched to a 3.52 ERA in 38.1 innings this season with 34 strikeouts and a 1.02 WHIP. With Daniel Hudson out for the season, and uncertainty surrounding Blake Treinen and Tommy Kahnle, the 23-year-old has become an important member of the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Dustin May expected to join Dodgers rotation in return
Dustin May is among the other Dodgers pitchers working their way back from injury. The 24-year-old is on the mend from Tommy John surgery and continues to make progress toward getting back on the mound.
While May has experience pitching out of the bullpen and could face a shortened period to fully stretch out, Roberts expects him to be reinserted into the starting rotation when he returns.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
