The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has been a strength this season despite several key contributors missing a significant amount of time due to injury.
That includes Joe Kelly, who has been sidelined since the beginning of May due to a right posterior shoulder strain. However, the right-hander is making progress toward a return as he began a rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Brusdar Graterol has missed the entire season to this point because of right shoulder inflammation, while Brasier is working his way back from a right calf strain.
Dodgers injuries
Joe Kelly
Kelly started for the Quakes in his first rehab appearance and worked around a one-out single to throw a scoreless first inning. He needed only five pitches to complete his outing, which was helped by an inning-ending double play.
Kelly returned to the Dodgers on a one-year, $8 million contract during the offseason and owns a 4.73 ERA in 15 appearances this season.
Brusdar Graterol
Graterol’s injury was not initially expected to keep him out long term but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in June that he would miss a couple more months.
Despite this, Graterol appears to be checking off some boxes in his recovery. “Graterol is making some headway. He’s going to do a sim game soon at CBR (Camelback Ranch), so that’s good,” Roberts said.
Ryan Brasier
Brasier’s return to the Dodgers is less certain as he still feels some discomfort in his calf. “Brasier is still making his way. We’re getting back to some health,” Roberts said.
The 36-year-old posted a 4.63 ERA, 5.22 FIP and 1.11 WHIP in 12 games (one start) prior to his injury. He returned to the Dodgers on a two-year, $9 million contract during the offseason.
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