Brusdar Graterol Impresses in First Outing Since Shoulder Surgery

Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) relieves pitcher Brusdar Graterol (48) during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Graterol has suffered multiple setbacks, his most recent coming during spring training when he started pitching, but his velocity was down to concerning levels.

The Dodgers had him stop throwing, as he had only recently been doing bullpen sessions where he was hitting his typical velocity on his pitches.

Seemingly, he has made enough progress during his recovery to make an official appearance. Graterol joined the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Comets, for rehabilitation outings.

How did Graterol do in his first outing?

The Bazooka needed just eight pitches to get through a full inning, getting a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout and two groundouts.

According to Dave Roberts, Graterol will make multiple outings to shake off the rust properly.

The limit for rehabilitation assignments is 30 days, and the team will likely use all of the time to get his competitive repetitions before making full-throated MLB appearances.

What is the Dodgers plan for Graterol?

Roberts has stated that the team will work to ensure that, once he returns, Graterol stays off the injured list.

“He hasn’t pitched a whole lot in the last two to three years. So his buildup needs to be methodical,” Roberts said. “I’m looking forward to him getting going.

“Yeah, it seems like the last few years it’s been a rehab situation. So for him to get out of that mode and get to being a regular player, get the health (issues) behind him – we’re all looking forward to that.”

Graterol is a free agent this winter, and despite being dominant for long stretches, he will need to prove his health if he wants any kind of long-term agreement.

If he does not look like his usual self or does end up suffering more injuries, he will have to settle for a one-year deal, either with the Dodgers or elsewhere.