The Dodgers Prepare for 2025 Without Key Reliever Brusdar Graterol
As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the 2025 MLB season, they face the challenge of navigating the first half without one of their bullpen stalwarts, Brusdar Graterol. The hard-throwing right-hander is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair his labrum. Graterol's absence leaves a substantial void in the Dodgers' bullpen, a void that they need to fill to maintain their ambitions of defending their World Series title.
In 2024, Graterol's role was severely limited owing to persistent shoulder inflammation and a hamstring injury, which confined him to only seven regular-season appearances. Despite his limited participation, he was able to contribute to the Dodgers' postseason campaign, including an appearance in the World Series against the New York Yankees. Over 2 1/3 innings across three World Series games, Graterol allowed one run on two hits, showcasing a glimpse of his potential impact in high-stakes situations. His contributions were part of the team’s successful run, culminating in their second World Series title in five years.
Graterol joined the Dodgers’ ranks in February 2020, coming from the Minnesota Twins. Initially part of a trade offer to the Boston Red Sox as a key piece for Mookie Betts, concerns about his arm health rerouted him to Los Angeles. Since his acquisition, Graterol has maintained a solid performance, averaging 49 appearances per season with a commendable 2.63 ERA and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio across several seasons.
The absence of Graterol — a reliable fixture in the bullpen since his acquisition — requires the Dodgers to adapt and find alternative solutions. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighted the uncertainties surrounding Graterol's recovery process, stating, "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good." Roberts further commented on the uncertainty of Graterol's timeline, acknowledging that it is likely to be a "week to week situation."
For the Dodgers, overcoming such challenges is not unfamiliar territory. The franchise has regularly faced gaps due to player injuries over recent seasons, requiring continued strategic adjustments. The need to fill Graterol's position effectively in the bullpen is paramount as the team seeks stability and depth for the upcoming season. The performance and management of the bullpen in Graterol’s absence will potentially significantly influence the trajectory of their 2025 campaign.
The task at hand is not merely about replacing Graterol but about maintaining the momentum and resilience that embodied the Dodgers' previous postseason successes. Their 2024 World Series victory is a testament to their ability to overcome adversity, and repeating that triumph will demand similar adaptability and creativity.
How the Dodgers manage this absence will be scrutinized throughout the season, as it may define their resilience and ability to contend at the highest levels consistently. For now, the Dodgers will embark on the season with the aim of defending their title and crafting yet another formidable season, all while hoping for a robust return of Brusdar Graterol in the latter half, ready to contribute once again to their success.