The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with an overwhelming number of injuries to the pitching staff, with their starting rotation taking the brunt of it. The bullpen has felt the effects of overuse, but their performance is still at an elite level.
Among their relievers, Brusdar Graterol was expected to be a key piece of their equation upon returning from a previous right hamstring injury. However, he has only appeared in seven games this season, pitching 7.1 innings, allowing two runs with seven strikeouts.
Graterol has now succumbed to right shoulder discomfort that landed him on the 15-day injured list once again. He previously began the season with a shoulder injury stemming from a hip issue.
“He’s been battling it ever since Spring Training,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Obviously, he was delayed getting to us to start his season, and even since he’s been back, it’s been kind of touch and go. Good, then not good.
“He got a scan, and obviously there’s some things going on in his shoulder, so we put him on the IL. What that looks like for the rest of the season, I just don’t know. I think it’s going to be a week-to-week situation.”
The shoulder discomfort being an ongoing problem is likely to give the team more pause.
“I think it’s just something that he’s had for the last few years and he’s just managed it,” Roberts added. “Even his last outing was five pitches, and he still couldn’t play catch the next day. So that was why we decided to get some scans.”
He has been with the Dodgers four seasons, and he is a combined 10-8 with a 2.69 ERA in 178 career games. Graterol’s season is likely over, but if a late postseason run occurs, he’d only be eligible to return after the National League Division Series.
How does Brusdar Graterol’s injury impact the bullpen
The Dodgers called up right-hander Edgardo Henriquez to help aid the bullpen, providing a high-upside option. It also likely locks both Daniel Hudson and Joe Kelly into the postseason bullpen mix.
Whether Graterol retuns at some point remains to be seen, but rushing back to appear in playoff games isn’t a wise decision, even with his wealth of postseason experience.
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