Dodgers Star Brusdar Graterol to Miss Significant Time in 2025 Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers are bracing for the long-term absence of Brusdar Graterol, a key piece of their bullpen, as they prepare to defend their 2024 World Series title. Graterol, who has been an integral part of the Dodgers' pitching staff since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins in 2020, will be sidelined until the latter half of the 2025 MLB season following right shoulder surgery to repair his labrum.
Graterol's road to recovery comes after a challenging 2024 campaign, marred by shoulder inflammation and a hamstring injury. These setbacks significantly limited his contributions, confining him to just seven regular-season appearances and three brief outings in the postseason. Despite his limited availability, Graterol did take the mound in three games during the Dodgers' victorious World Series run against the New York Yankees, allowing just one run over 2 1/3 innings.
A Pivotal Absence
The Dodgers' success without Graterol in 2024 underscores the depth and resilience within their roster, yet his absence undeniably leaves a large void. Known for his electrifying performances, Brusdar Graterol has consistently delivered for the Dodgers over several seasons, boasting an impressive record with an average of 49 appearances per season, a 2.63 ERA, and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The challenge for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and his staff will be to fill the significant gap left by Graterol and continue their streak of success.
Speaking about Graterol’s recovery, Dave Roberts noted the fluctuations in his condition: "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good." The Dodgers' skipper is conscious of the uncertainty surrounding Graterol’s rehabilitation timeline, adding, "What that looks like for the rest of the season? I just don't know. I think it's going to be a week to week situation."
Tracing Graterol's Journey with the Dodgers
Graterol's journey to the Dodgers is a story of resilience and fortuitous redirections. Initially, he was part of a proposed trade with the Boston Red Sox for star outfielder Mookie Betts. However, concerns over his arm health prompted the Twins to reroute him to Los Angeles, a move that has largely paid dividends for the Dodgers. Since joining the team, Graterol has cemented his reputation as a reliable relief pitcher, helping the Dodgers capture two World Series titles in five years.
Future Implications for the Dodgers
Graterol's absence will test the Dodgers, who have proven adept at navigating injuries in recent seasons. In 2025, Los Angeles will strive to adapt once again, aiming to remain a formidable force and defend their championship title. The success or struggles of Roberts' squad in the face of this adversity could define the trajectory of their season.
The Dodgers will need to lean on their depth and creativity to patch the bullpen, possibly utilizing a rotation of pitchers to close the gap. Historically, they have shown an uncanny ability to rally together when key players are sidelined, and Graterol’s situation will be no exception. The team’s performance in overcoming such obstacles will be crucial as they look to cement their dynasty status in modern baseball history.
While Dodgers fans eagerly await Graterol's return, the focus now turns to how the team will manage without his dynamic presence. The path ahead is uncertain, but with a roster rich in talent and a strategic mind like Dave Roberts at the helm, there is reason for optimism in the City of Angels. As Los Angeles prepares to start the season, they will undoubtedly carry the spirit of their absent teammate into the months ahead, optimistic that their resilience will once again lead them to glory.