The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves at a pivotal point as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season without one of their key bullpen pitchers, Brusdar Graterol. The hard-throwing right-hander, who has been a steady contributor since joining the team in 2020, will be absent for the early part of the season following surgery on his right shoulder labrum. With Graterol not set to return until the second half, the Dodgers face the challenge of compensating for his pivotal role in the bullpen.
A Season of Setbacks
Graterol's 2024 season was marred by injuries, significantly limiting his contributions during both the regular season and the postseason. Over the course of the year, he made just seven regular-season appearances, primarily due to persistent shoulder inflammation and an aggravating hamstring injury. Despite these setbacks, Graterol managed to appear in three key games during the World Series against the New York Yankees, where he delivered a commendable performance, allowing just one run on two hits over 2 1/3 innings. His efforts contributed to the Dodgers’ triumphant capture of their second World Series title in five years.
However, the lingering shoulder issue that plagued him throughout the season ultimately necessitated surgical intervention, a move aimed at providing long-term solutions but resulting in Graterol's extended absence as he focuses on recovery.
Reconstructing the Bullpen
The task of recompensing Graterol's absence looms large for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. As Roberts candidly noted, regarding Graterol's recurring injuries, "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good." Roberts further acknowledged the uncertain timeline for Graterol's return, stating, "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." With a pitching strategy heavily reliant on Graterol's reliability in high-pressure scenarios, the Dodgers must now explore creative ways to adapt their bullpen strategy.
Known for his 99 mph fastball and solid performance record, Graterol has maintained an impressive average of 49 appearances per season with a 2.63 ERA and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Such consistency and dependability will be hard to replace, underscoring the team's need to explore other options within their pitching roster and potentially the free-agent market.
An Opportunity for Resilience
For the Dodgers, facing adversity is familiar ground. The team has a history of navigating player absences and roster changes with resilience, often emerging stronger. The 2024 season itself was a testament to their depth and adaptability, overcoming several hurdles to ultimately attain World Series glory. The challenge posed by Graterol's injury is another test for the team's ability to innovate and perform under pressure.
As they aim to defend their title in 2025, the Dodgers' success could heavily depend on how effectively they handle the void left by Graterol and adapt their strategy accordingly. A robust bullpen is crucial for sustaining momentum across the lengthy MLB season, and Roberts' ability to manage this dynamic will be pivotal.
While there is no denying the disappointment surrounding Graterol's surgery and subsequent absence, it presents an opportunity for emerging players to step up and perhaps fill the breach left in his wake. It remains to be seen who will seize this chance to shine, but the Dodgers' history suggests they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.