After incorrectly being denoted as being on the 60-day injured list, Brusdar Graterol in actuality began the 2021 regular season on the 10-day IL. In addition to Graterol, the Los Angeles Dodgers placed Joe Kelly on the 10-day IL.
That Graterol was even designated as having been removed from the 40-man roster because of the long-term IL stint came as a surprise. Although he and Kelly were behind other pitchers throughout Spring Training, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts regularly said Graterol was ahead of his fellow injured relief pitcher.
“They’re both at the alt site, they’re both progressing well, throwing bullpens,” Roberts said Friday. “I don’t know if either of them are throwing to hitters. I see Brusdar ahead of Joe as far as return to play, but I don’t have a timeline.
“I don’t know Brusdar’s timetable. I do know that we’re still building him up, he wasn’t ready to go physically once we got to camp. Again, I don’t really know how long it’s going to take to get him back.”
When discussing Graterol’s status during camp, Roberts declined to provide specifics beyond noting the 22-year-old couldn’t carry out any semblance of a throwing program during the offseason.
“There were just some things that I don’t think are right for me to speak to,” Roberts said early into spring.
“Some physical things, nothing orthopedically that set him back a little bit. He got married, there were some other things that just didn’t allow for him to get his proper buildup and preparation for Spring Training.”
Roberts or the team also have not provided details on Kelly’s ailments. His IL stint is officially due to right shoulder inflammation.
Graterol went 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 23 appearances last year. He then sported a 3.52 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in nine postseason games.
Dodgers place starters in bullpen
With Graterol and Kelly unavailable to begin the season, the Dodgers filled the voids with starting pitchers Tony Gonsolin, Jimmy Nelson and David Price. All three were built up as starters before being placed in the bullpen.
“Very, very talented pitching staff,” Roberts said this past week.
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