Dodgers News: Brusdar Graterol Expected to Miss Opening Day as Dodgers Slow His Ramp-Up
Manager Dave Roberts says the club is prioritizing Graterol’s long-term health over rushing him for Opening Day.
GLENDALE, AZ—With the Los Angeles Dodgers officially reporting to camp over the last several days at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, and the game set to open Cactus League play this Saturday, we’re getting a much clearer picture of where players stand on availability.
However, one player that won’t appear in any games this spring or the start of the regular season is right-handed relief pitcher Bursdar Graterol, who Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed won’t be ready by Opening Day.
Injuries have been a common theme for Graterol’s career, with the righty missing significant time the last two years due to a right shoulder injury.
After the 2024 World Series, Graterol underwent offseason shoulder surgery and was hopeful for a second-half comeback last season; however, that never came to fruition as the Dodgers shut him down in an effort to prepare for the 2026 season.
Just a few days ago, Roberts also confirmed that the team would slow-play Graterol this spring, with his spot on Opening Day to be determined, but now we have a concrete answer.
The Dodgers acquired Graterol in 2020 following his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2019. Despite occasional injury setbacks, he has shown impressive performance on the mound. Over his career, the right-handed pitcher has posted a 2.78 ERA. In 2023, his most recent full season in the majors, Graterol posted an outstanding 1.20 ERA across 68 games.
In the wake of Graterol’s setback, the Dodgers have ample depth in the pitching department with multiple arms ready to take his place, but Graterol is the latest bullpen arm to start the year on the injured list, joining Evan Phillips and Brock Stewart.
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