Brusdar Graterol's Absence Casts Shadow Over Dodgers' 2025 Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up to face a significant challenge in the 2025 MLB season as they deal with the extended absence of essential bullpen arm, Brusdar Graterol. The power right-hander, an integral piece of the Dodgers’ pitching arsenal since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins in 2020, will be sidelined until the second half of the season. This follows surgery on his right shoulder to repair a damaged labrum.
Graterol's struggles with health have come at an inopportune time for the Dodgers. In 2024, he was hindered by shoulder inflammation and a nagging hamstring injury, limiting him to just seven regular-season appearances and three outings in the postseason. Despite these setbacks, Graterol managed to make his mark in the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees, allowing just one run on two hits over 2 1/3 innings as the Dodgers claimed their second title in five years.
Graterol's journey to Los Angeles was somewhat serendipitous. Initially part of a proposed blockbuster trade to the Boston Red Sox involving the star outfielder Mookie Betts, concerns about his arm health redirected Graterol to the Dodgers. Since then, he has been a steady presence in the bullpen, averaging 49 appearances per season with an impressive 2.63 ERA and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
However, maintaining that level of performance through injury-laden seasons has become a challenge. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts candidly assessed the situation: "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good." This recognition of Graterol's ongoing battle highlights the uncertainty surrounding his full recovery and the impact it could have on the team moving forward. Roberts further admitted, "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.”
The Dodgers’ bullpen has proven resilient in recent years, often adjusting adeptly to the loss of key players. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges has been testament to their depth and managerial strategy. The absence of Graterol, however, presents a unique void that could shape the trajectory of their 2025 season. Filling in the gaps left by Graterol's absence will require strategic maneuvering and potentially tapping into their farm system or pursuing midseason trades to bolster their bullpen strength.
Heading into the new season, the Dodgers are not only focused on defending their World Series title but also on ensuring their roster remains competitive amid the inevitable trials of a long baseball season. Their capacity to overcome the absence of critical players like Graterol will be closely scrutinized and could serve as a defining feature of their 2025 campaign.
The resilience that has characterized the Dodgers’ recent years will once again be tested. Yet, as the franchise prepares to embark on another season filled with its own set of challenges, their storied history of overcoming adversity is a testament to their enduring pursuit of excellence. The Dodgers will undoubtedly strive to continue their legacy of success—right now, and into the seasons still to come.