The Los Angeles Dodgers are bracing for a challenging 2025 MLB season as they come to terms with the extended absence of one of their vital bullpen stalwarts, Brusdar Graterol. After undergoing right shoulder surgery to repair a damaged labrum, Graterol is not expected to return to the mound until the second half of the upcoming season. This setback follows a 2024 campaign where Graterol's impact was severely hampered by shoulder inflammation and a hamstring injury, limiting him to just seven regular-season appearances and three postseason outings.
Despite his limited role last year, Graterol left a mark during the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees. Over three games, he allowed a single run on two hits across 2 1/3 innings. His presence, though brief, contributed to the Dodgers securing another World Series title—making it their second championship in five years.
Graterol's journey with the Dodgers began in February 2020 when he was acquired from the Minnesota Twins. Initially part of a high-profile trade proposal to the Boston Red Sox involving Mookie Betts, concerns about his arm health redirected him to Los Angeles. Over the seasons, he proved to be an invaluable asset, maintaining an average of 49 appearances per season with a 2.63 ERA and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted, "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good," highlighting the erratic nature of Graterol’s health struggles.
This latest injury setback places the Dodgers in a familiar yet challenging position. The need to adapt and recalibrate their strategies in response to player injuries has been a recurring theme in recent seasons. Roberts expressed the uncertainty of the situation, stating, "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 sentiment underscores the unpredictable road ahead as the Dodgers look to manage without Graterol during a crucial juncture of their campaign to defend their title.
With Graterol out of action, the Dodgers' bullpen faces the formidable task of filling the void. Finding suitable replacements or restructuring their bullpen strategies will be pivotal in maintaining their competitive edge. The stakes are high, and how the team navigates these challenges will likely define the trajectory of their 2025 season.
The Dodgers' resilience and ability to triumph amid adversity have been hallmarks of their recent success. Adapting once more, the team remains focused on upholding their World Series champion status. As the Dodgers assess their options and explore potential roster adjustments, the core team must rally together to ensure that Graterol’s absence doesn't compromise their ambitions for another championship run.
As the Dodgers plot their course through the 2025 season, the narrative will undoubtedly focus on their capacity to handle adversity. The team is determined to continue their legacy of dominance in Major League Baseball, undeterred by these unforeseen challenges.