The Los Angeles Dodgers will have one less bullpen option at their disposal for the 2025 season, with Michael Grove undergoing season-ending surgery to repair his right labrum.
Grove is one of a handful of relievers who was inactive when the Dodgers began Spring Training, with Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Brusdar Graterol also behind schedule to open the year. However, all three are expected to make their return sometime this season.
It is a disappointing outcome for Grove, who was in position to compete for a more permanent role in the Majors after making a career-high 39 appearances with the Dodgers last season.
He attempted to pitch despite the issues with his shoulder, but finally elected surgery once he realized there was no progress being made, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“He’s already had Tommy John. He didn’t want to do another surgery, and he tried to tough it out and pitch through it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “But it was just compromising his performance and recovery. He’s obviously disappointed, given he was ready to compete for a job this year.”
Grove’s shoulder problem dates back to the injury that forced him off the Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster in 2024 and persisted into the beginning of this season.
His ability to cover multiple innings out of the bullpen made him a valuable asset for the Dodgers. Grove occupied that role last season, pitching to a 5.12 ERA, 3.87 FIP, and 51 innings over 39 appearances.
Grove still has three years of team control remaining after this season and will be eligible for arbitration in 2026.
Michael Grove career timeline
A second-round pick by the Dodgers in the 2018 MLB Draft, Grove spent parts of three seasons in the Minors before making his Major League debut in 2022. He has spent the past three seasons shuttling between the Majors and Minors while also dealing with injuries.
Grove has appeared in 64 Major League games over parts of three seasons, posting a career 5.48 ERA, 4.35 FIP, 1.38 WHIP, and 151 strikeouts.
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