The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen is expected to be a strength for the team in 2024, but they will be without one of their best arms for at least the start of the season.
Brusdar Graterol has only appeared in one game so far in Spring Training, which came on March 2 against the Chicago Cubs. He pitched a scoreless inning while giving up a walk, but he dealt with some injury issues during the outing.
Graterol was dealing with hip tightness during that appearance and was shut down from throwing, so he won’t be on the roster when the Dodgers open their season in South Korea on March 20, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Brusdar Graterol won’t be going with the Dodgers to Korea. Has only pitched once this spring and complained of hip tightness during that outing. He will resume throwing on Tuesday and is still hopeful he can be ready for domestic Opening Day.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 10, 2024
In addition to the hip tightness, Graterol also had shoulder discomfort, but there isn’t as much concern about that:
Graterol also noted some shoulder discomfort, but downplayed its severity. Has been doing plyo work and sounded more focused on addressing his left hip tightness.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 10, 2024
While Graterol won’t be pitching in the Seoul Series, it remains possible he can be on the roster when the Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals on March 28 for their home opener at Dodger Stadium.
Not having Graterol to start the season is a notable loss for the Dodgers as he was one of their top relievers in 2023. Last year, he pitched to a 1.20 ERA, 3.03 FIP, 0.97 WHIP and .218 batting average allowed in 68 games (67.1 innings).
The 25-year-old finished in the 92nd percentile in expected ERA, 95th percentile in walk-rate, 99th percentile in groundball rate, and nearly eliminated hard contact with a 92nd percentile barrel percentage.
Dodgers bullpen options without Brusdar Graterol
Without Graterol, the Dodgers still have a multitude of bullpen options. On the 40-man roster, they have Evan Phillips, Ryan Brasier, J.P. Feyereisen, Matt Gage, Michael Grove, Kyle Hurt, Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen, Ricky Vanasco, Gus Varland, Alex Vesia and Ryan Yarbrough.
Players on Minor League deals in Spring Training include Nabil Crismatt, Kevin Gowdy, Jesse Hahn, Elieser Hernandez, Daniel Hudson, T.J. McFarland, Michael Petersen and Eduardo Salazar.
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