In a significant setback for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team will face the 2025 season without one of their cornerstone bullpen assets, Brusdar Graterol. The 27-year-old right-hander is expected to be sidelined until the latter half of the season following a right shoulder surgery to repair his labrum, an injury that has dogged his career in recent years.
The Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, will be without their formidable reliever, who had a limited presence last season. Graterol's 2024 campaign was curtailed to a mere seven regular-season appearances and three postseason outings due to persistent shoulder inflammation and a hamstring issue. Nevertheless, Graterol made his mark in the World Series championship round against the New York Yankees, even as he allowed one run on two hits over 2 1/3 innings. His role, though limited, contributed to the Dodgers securing their second title in five years.
A Career of Potential and Precautions
Graterol's transaction history tells a tale of immense promise mingled with caution. Acquired by the Dodgers from the Minnesota Twins in February 2020, Graterol was initially part of a proposed trade to the Boston Red Sox for Mookie Betts. However, concerns over his arm health redirected him to Los Angeles instead. Since joining the Dodgers, Graterol has proven to be a reliable presence in the bullpen, maintaining an average of 49 appearances per season with a 2.63 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.37. His ability to shutdown games has been integral to the Dodgers’ recent successes.
Manager’s Perspective
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has openly discussed the precarious nature of Graterol’s recovery. "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good," Roberts remarked, capturing the uncertain trajectory of Graterol’s health. Addressing the future course of the season without one of his key pitchers, Roberts added, "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."
For the Dodgers, adaptability has become a familiar theme. Over recent seasons, the team has repeatedly encountered the challenge of reshuffling their roster due to injuries to pivotal players. As they aim to defend their World Series title in 2025, the absence of Graterol presents yet another obstacle to navigate.
Strategic Adjustments on the Horizon
Filling the void left by Graterol's distinguished fastball and competitive edge will require deft management from both Roberts and the Dodgers’ front office. Graterol’s capacity to step into high-pressure situations will certainly be missed. However, the Dodgers have historically demonstrated resourcefulness in overcoming similar hurdles, leveraging depth and versatility within their ranks.
Memories of success without Graterol last season will undoubtedly provide a blueprint for the team as they push forward. The 2025 season, with its new challenges, will test the Dodgers’ resilience and strategic foresight. Perhaps it may even define their trajectory across what promises to be a strenuous campaign ahead.
As Brusdar Graterol begins his recovery process, the Dodgers' focus will turn to identifying emerging stars capable of stepping into the gap. It remains to be seen how the absence of Graterol’s stabilizing presence will affect the Dodgers' bullpen dynamics, but history suggests that, in the face of adversity, this team finds solutions from within. Their ability to make seamless strategic adjustments could be the very hallmark of their 2025 season.