Although Brusdar Graterol only appeared in one game because of hip trouble that caused right shoulder inflammation, the Los Angeles Dodgers expected to have him in their bullpen for the Dodger Stadium opener.
Graterol not only missed Opening Day in South Korea but the Dodgers’ return stateside as well. His recovery was saddled by multiple setbacks that delayed Graterol’s 2024 debut until the first week of August.
That quickly ended as Graterol threw just eight pitches before suffering a right hamstring strain. It was believed to be season-ending but an MRI the following morning revealed Graterol’s injury to be a much more manageable Grade 1 hamstring strain.
He’s recovered well over recent weeks and advanced to facing batters in a simulated game on Saturday. The next step for Graterol is reporting to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the start of a rehab assignment on Tuesday, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Reliever Brusdar Graterol threw to hitters Saturday afternoon and will travel to Triple-A Oklahoma City to start a rehab assignment there on Tuesday.
Its not yet clear how many games Graterol will pitch in for his rehab assignment but he figures to make at least two appearances.
Prior to the Dodgers finishing their last homestand, Graterol moved well as he went through fielding drills at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.
“I missed it, but I heard it was really good. It seems like he could’ve stolen a base tonight,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“How he recovered from what we saw a few weeks ago to now, prayers were answered. He’s just going to keep progressing. I don’t know when his time to return is, but today was a good day for Brusdar.”
Brusdar Graterol joining Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Graterol being scheduled to join the Oklahoma City Baseball Club lines him up with Yoshinobu Yamamoto making his second rehab start.
The Dodgers are planning on Yamamoto pitching three innings and throwing one more in the bullpen. It could put him on track to then be activated off the 60-day injured list during the second week of September.
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