The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Brusdar Graterol from the 15-day injured list and optioned Justin Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Graterol returns to the Dodgers roster after missing the past three weeks due to right elbow inflammation. He previously spent more than one month on the IL with right shoulder inflammation and only appeared in four games before being sidelined once again.
Graterol’s latest IL stint began Sept. 1 but was backdated to the day prior. An MRI revealed only inflammation and not any ligament damage in the right elbow, which allowed Graterol to quickly begin a throwing program.
Although he joined Oklahoma City for a rehab assignment before returning from right shoulder trouble, Graterol only advanced to facing batters in a simulated game prior to getting activated Thursday.
Furthermore, the initial expectation was Blake Treinen would be first to return to the Dodgers bullpen, with Graterol to follow shortly thereafter. The club adjusted their planning due to Treinen still battling right shoulder soreness.
“We’ll just kind of kick the can a little bit with Blake,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s just not bouncing back the way any of us would have hoped. So that’s kind of my hesitancy a little bit.”
Bruihl had been up with the Dodgers since Sept. 5, appearing in six games during that span, including on Wednesday night. The stretch also saw Bruihl convert his first career save.
Graterol key with Treinen out
With Treinen still on the mend and potentially becoming a question mark for the postseason, Graterol’s ability to remain healthy and pitch well is of greater importance to the Dodgers.
Graterol is 2-3 with three saves, a 3.02 ERA, 3.11 FIP and 0.94 WHIP this season. The 24-year-old has allowed just one unearned run over his last 11 appearances.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
