Brusdar Graterol has hit another snag in his rehabilitation program and it now seems likely that a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers is even further away. It is not great news for a Dodgers bullpen that has been a detriment at times this season due to a multitude of factors.
Before landing on the 15-day injured list and eventually the 60-day IL, Gaterol was expected to be a high-leverage option out of the bullpen for the Dodgers after a career year in 2023. He made one Cactus League appearance in Spring Training this year, after which he felt some discomfort in multiple areas and has been out ever since.
Graterol was deemed multiple weeks away following a recent 17-pitch bullpen session, but now that timeline has been pushed back even further.
According to Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Graterol is no longer throwing because of lingering right shoulder trouble:
Brusdar Graterol has been shut down from his throwing progression again, Dave Roberts said today. Just hasn’t been bouncing back well. Going to be a longer process, it seems.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 24, 2024
Graterol joins fellow teammate Jason Heyward as the two players whose body ailments continue to linger and not heal the way the Dodgers initially expected and hoped.
The continued absence of Graterol stings a little bit extra considering the impact he can make. Having a high-quality arm the Dodgers could confidently rely on to shorten the gap between the starter and Evan Phillips was just the kind of addition the team was in desperate need of.
It also could have also taken some pressure and responsibility off of struggling relievers Ryan Brazier and Joe Kelly in late, high-leverage situations.
What Brusdar Graterol’s injury means for Dodgers
With Graterol remaining out for the foreseeable future, it puts added emphasis on Blake Treinen making a successful return.
Treinen began rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City this week and struggled in his first game. Having both Graterol and Treinen back would be key, but just getting the latter could be significant as well.
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