The Los Angeles Dodgers lost yet another relief pitcher when Brusdar Graterol was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 14 due to right shoulder inflammation. Graterol’s IL stint was backdated to July 11, which makes him eligible to return on Tuesday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed concern about the discomfort Graterol felt in his throwing shoulder when the team placed him on the IL. Roberts added the Dodgers were optimistic they would get Graterol back relatively quickly.
Graterol didn’t throw over the All-Star break, but is doing well.
“The training staff said he’s pain-free right now,” Roberts said. “So I would assume he’ll pick up the baseball (soon).
“This guy is a strong, physical guy. We’re trying to be cautious with him, but I don’t see it being too long-term. It’s not going to be the Tuesday that he’s eligible to come off; I’d be shocked if that’s the case. But it shouldn’t be much longer.”
Graterol wound up beginning his throwing program on Friday, playing catch from 90 feet.
The 23-year-old has become an important part of the Dodgers bullpen which has already been depleted by injuries to other key relievers, including Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson and Tommy Kahnle.
Prior to the injury, Roberts had been using the Graterol in high-leverage situations, including giving the right-hander multiple save opportunities.
In 40.1 innings this season, Graterol has pitched to a 3.35 ERA and 3.31 FIP while striking out 21.9% of hitters and walking 6.3%. In parts of four seasons with the Dodgers, he is a combined 7-6 with a 3.80 ERA across 106.2 innings.
Graterol also dealt with a cramp on his left side that forced him to leave a game after throwing just four pitches, but after testing the Dodgers decided to keep him on the active roster and he was available after rest.
Dodgers signed Hansel Robles
With the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Dodgers roster figures to undergo some change as the team looks to reclaim the National League pennant and reach the World Series.
Thus far the Dodgers have been linked to Cincinnati Reds teammates Luis Castillo and Brandon Drury, along with Kansas City Royals utility man Whit Merrifield. Pitching figures to be a focal point, but Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman isn’t big on the relief market at the trade deadline.
As the Dodgers continue to explore potential trades, they added to their organizational depth as well by signing Hansel Robles to a Minor League contract after he was designated for assignment and released by the Boston Red Sox.
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