Dodgers to Face Challenging Season Without Key Reliever
The Los Angeles Dodgers are bracing for a significant challenge as they embark on the 2025 MLB season without the services of Brusdar Graterol for the foreseeable future. The highly valued bullpen asset will be absent due to right shoulder surgery required to repair his labrum, shelving him until at least the latter half of the season.
The news is a blow to the Dodgers, who have counted on Graterol's contributions since acquiring him from the Minnesota Twins back in February 2020. Notably, he was originally expected to join the Boston Red Sox as part of the trade for Mookie Betts, but concerns about his arm health led him west to Los Angeles instead. These health concerns have now come full circle, as the 26-year-old pitcher faces an extended recovery period from his latest setback.
Graterol's 2024 season was plagued by a series of injuries that limited him to just seven regular-season appearances and three outings in the postseason, including pivotal moments in the World Series against the New York Yankees. Despite these challenges, Graterol managed to take the mound during this high-stakes series, where he allowed just one run on two hits over 2 1/3 innings. His contributions, though limited, were part of the Dodgers' successful campaign that culminated in another World Series title, their second in five years.
Now, the Dodgers must navigate the early months of the 2025 season in Graterol's absence, a task that manager Dave Roberts acknowledges won't be easy. "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good," Roberts remarked, encapsulating the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Graterol's health. He further elaborated, "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."
Adjusting to Absenteeism
As Graterol begins the arduous road to recovery, the Dodgers are left to fill the void left by his forced departure from the bullpen. Over the past few seasons, Graterol has been a reliable figure with an average of 49 appearances per season, boasting a commendable 2.63 ERA and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His absence will undeniably test the Dodgers' depth and resilience.
The Dodgers have proven their mettle in the face of adversity before, adapting to various player injuries and lineup changes. However, as they aim to defend their World Series title, the absence of Graterol could define their trajectory for the 2025 season. The team's ability to strategize around this and other potential pitfalls might be the very thing that keeps them on the path of success.
Looking Ahead for the Dodgers
Despite the setback, the Dodgers remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. They have exhibited the resilience to overcome obstacles, and their approach to handling this latest challenge will be no different. With Roberts at the helm, the team will likely explore various bullpen configurations and perhaps even tap into their farm system to mitigate the impact of Graterol's absence.
The 2025 season dawns with unanswered questions and inherent challenges for the Dodgers, none more pressing than compensating for the loss of a key reliever. Still, with their strong organizational structure and proven track record of adaptability, they seem well-equipped to manage yet another unforeseen hurdle. As Graterol focuses on regaining his health, the rest of the bullpen will need to rally, ensuring the Dodgers remain a formidable force in the quest for back-to-back World Series titles.