Dodgers Injury Update: Blake Snell and Brusdar Graterol Unlikely for Opening Day
The hard-throwing righty is still ramping up cautiously as the team monitors lingering shoulder issues.
GLENDALE, AZ—Earlier this spring, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the club was slow-playing the buildup of right-handed relief pitcher Bursdar Graterol as he recovers from shoulder surgery he underwent after the 2024 World Series.
However, while the team planned for the ramp-up to be a slow process, it seems the recovery plan has stalled, with his Opening Day availability now in doubt.
“I wouldn’t say progress. I wouldn’t say a setback, I just think that, right now, from what I’ve heard, we don’t feel in a position to kind of ramp him up, so he’s just playing catch. And I don’t think we’re gonna see him on the mound for a little bit longer.”
The Dodgers acquired Graterol in 2020 after his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2019. Despite occasional injuries, he has demonstrated impressive on-mound performance. Over his career, the right-handed pitcher maintains a 2.78 ERA. In 2023, his latest full season in the majors, Graterol achieved an excellent 1.20 ERA over 68 games.
Health has been a significant factor in Graterol’s MLB career, but the Dodgers are hopeful that their cautious approach to his buildup and workload will keep him available when they need him most in October.
Blake Snell Unlikely to Be Ready for Opening Day as Spring Progress Slows
Graterol is not the only arm the Dodgers are expecting to miss Opening Day later this month, as left-handed starting pitcher Blake Snell was also listed as doubtful per Dave Roberts.
“There’s probably not a whole lot to say. He’s not on the mound right now. He’s not in games. The odds of him starting his season are probably zero. For him, he needs to do his work to get back on the field.”
With Snell’s absence, that opens up the door for a few arms in the organization, such as young lefty Justin Wrobleski, who tossed two scoreless innings versus the Chicago Cubs earlier today, and returning young right-hander Gavin Stone and River Ryan.
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