Dodgers Reliever Brusdar Graterol to Begin Season on Injured List
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol will not be ready to begin the 2026 season, manager Dave Roberts confirmed Wednesday. The team is taking a cautious approach with the 27-year-old as he continues his recovery from right shoulder labrum surgery.
Graterol underwent the surgery in November 2024 following the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the New York Yankees. The procedure sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025 season, and his return to the mound is being carefully managed this spring.
“Brusdar won’t be ready to start the season,” Roberts told reporters. “Not much of a surprise at this point.”
The Dodgers acquired Graterol from the Minnesota Twins in February 2020, trading away Kenta Maeda in the deal. Since joining the team, Graterol has shown flashes of dominance, particularly in high-leverage situations, but has been hampered by injuries.
Prior to his surgery, Graterol had experienced both shoulder inflammation and a hamstring strain, limiting his availability. In 2023, he posted a career-best 1.20 ERA across 67 ⅓ innings and 68 appearances, establishing new personal highs. However, in 2024, he was limited to seven regular season relief appearances (2.45 ERA in 7⅓ innings) and three postseason games before undergoing surgery.
The absence of Graterol at the start of the season creates an opening in the Dodgers’ bullpen, particularly for a reliable right-handed option. According to Roberts, the team is not rushing Graterol’s return, prioritizing his long-term health over an arbitrary Opening Day timeline. “We just got to get him back up to that velocity,” Roberts said. “It’s an intentionally slow buildup.”
Several pitchers are competing for a spot in the bullpen, including Ben Casparius, Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt, and Will Klein. The Dodgers also have established relievers in Edwin Díaz and Blake Treinen.
Graterol agreed to a $2.8 million contract in January to avoid salary arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2026 season. Throughout his career, he has a record of 11-9 with a 2.78 ERA and 11 saves, having thrown 181 innings over five seasons with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers begin Cactus League play this weekend, facing the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe on Saturday and the San Diego Padres in Peoria on Sunday. Shohei Ohtani is expected to hit in the first two spring training games, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto is likely to make a start during the weekend series.
