Dodgers Reliever Makes Major Step Towards Return
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol, who has not featured against competition all season long, has been cleared to start his official rehabilitation journey.
According to Alex Freedman, broadcaster of the Oklahoma City Comets, Graterol has joined the team to start a rehab assignment.
Visit newsbetsport.bond for more information.
The righty has not featured in a game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. Since then, he has battled shoulder injuries that kept him out of the 2025 season and the start of 2026.
Graterol came into Spring Training healthy, seemingly ready to start the season with the team, though he never made an appearance after the team shut him down due to low velocity.
Feb 18, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodger Pitcher Nick Frasso (79) walks with pitcher Brusdar Graterol (48) during Los Angeles Dodger workouts at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn ImagesGraterol has been a missed arm out of the bullpen, with his high velocity and energy. He has been a reliable arm for the Dodgers since making his way onto the big leagues, though injuries have stopped him from having an impact for more than a year.
Heading into the season, he said he felt better now than he did in 2025, citing weight loss among other things as reasons he feels healthy.
“Yes, I mean, I feel way better [than] last year,” Graterol said. “I’m so happy to feel like that. And I feel healthier. I lost a lot of pounds, too. Like 20 lbs right now. So, I feel great.”
View this post on Instagram
The Dodgers plan for Graterol’s recovery
The team is building up Graterol “intentionally slow,” according to manager Dave Roberts. He is returning from shoulder surgery, something that can lead to multiple complications for a pitcher, especially for one who throws hard, high-effort outings like Graterol.
In the latest update from the Dodgers, Graterol’s velocity was back up to his usual levels, though Roberts was not sure what it meant for accelerating his recovery.
“From what I understand, his last couple pens, he has been in the upper 90s so that’s good. But what does that mean for him starting a rehab, I’m not sure of that,” Roberts said.
Seemingly, the Dodgers are happy enough for the reliever to compete once again. However, the real test will be how he handles recovery from his outings.
He could step into a high-leverage role quite quickly with Edwin Diaz out for months if he comes back to his usual “Bazuka” level.