🚨 Brusdar Graterol Feels Good After 15-Month Rehab, Eyes Return to Dodgers Bullpen in 2026 👇
Los Angeles, CA – Brusdar Graterol, the flamethrowing right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has finally emerged from a 15-month rehab process following a serious shoulder injury. After an extended period of recovery, Graterol recently shared exciting news with fans, revealing that he is feeling great and ready to return to action. The 27-year-old pitcher is set to begin throwing bullpens this week, marking a significant milestone in his recovery and bringing hope to the Dodgers’ bullpen.
The Dodgers’ relief pitching unit is poised for a makeover after a disappointing 2025 season, and the return of Graterol is seen as a potential boost for the team’s bullpen depth. Additionally, Graterol revealed that he has dropped 15 pounds during his workouts, which could help with his endurance and overall performance as he ramps up for the season.
A Long Road to Recovery: Graterol’s Injury Struggles and Surgery
Graterol’s shoulder injury has been a major hurdle in his career, with his health struggles beginning in 2024. He initially landed on the injured list during spring training that year due to the shoulder issue, which sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. Despite making a brief return in September, Graterol went straight back to the injured list, and he missed most of the Dodgers’ World Series run that year.
Though Graterol made it back for the World Series, he was only able to make three appearances before the season ended. The shoulder injury ultimately required surgery shortly after the season, and Graterol missed the entirety of the 2025 season as he focused on recovery. His extended absence left the Dodgers without one of their most dynamic bullpen arms, and the team’s relief pitching suffered as a result.
Now, as Graterol embarks on his comeback journey, the Dodgers are eager to see if the flame-throwing reliever can return to his dominant form and help solidify their bullpen for the 2026 season.
Graterol’s Impact on the Dodgers’ Bullpen
Before his injury troubles, Graterol was quickly establishing himself as one of the Dodgers’ top relievers. He joined the team in 2020 via trade with the Minnesota Twins, in exchange for Kenta Maeda, and made an immediate impact in his first year. During the shortened 2020 season, Graterol posted a 3.09 ERA in 23 appearances, showcasing his potential as a late-inning weapon.
However, the next year was more challenging. Graterol struggled with a 4.59 ERA through 34 appearances in 2021, leading to questions about his consistency. Yet, he bounced back with a strong 2022 campaign, recording a 3.26 ERA in 46 appearances.
The 2023 season, however, remains Graterol’s best year to date, as he dominated with a 1.20 ERA in 68 appearances across 67.1 innings pitched. His resilience and performance during that season earned him the role of setup man for closer Evan Phillips, and he became one of the most trusted relievers in manager Dave Roberts’ bullpen. Graterol’s high usage and ability to pitch in high-leverage situations made him one of the Dodgers’ most valuable bullpen pieces.
In his limited time during 2024, before the injury sidelined him for good, Graterol posted a 2.45 ERA through 7.1 innings in the regular season, indicating he was still a reliable arm when healthy.
The Dodgers’ Bullpen Needs: Will Graterol Secure His Spot?
With a more crowded bullpen this season, Brusdar Graterol’s return could play a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ chances of winning it all in 2026. The Dodgers have made just one significant bullpen signing in All-Star closer Edwin DĂaz, but after their late-season bullpen collapses in 2025, Graterol’s presence could be a game-changer.
The Dodgers will need all hands on deck in their quest for a three-peat—a historic third consecutive World Series championship. With multiple bullpen spots available, Graterol can secure a spot by proving that his shoulder is healthy and that he’s ready to return to the form that made him one of the league’s top relievers in 2023. Given his track record, the Dodgers will likely give him every opportunity to prove himself in spring training.
However, Graterol will not be the only one vying for a spot in the bullpen. The Dodgers have a number of talented arms already on the roster, and the competition for spots will be fierce. If Graterol can stay healthy and productive, he could easily reclaim his role as one of the Dodgers’ key bullpen pieces for the 2026 season.
A New Era of Dodgers Bullpen Depth
While Graterol’s return is a welcomed development, the Dodgers’ bullpen as a whole will undergo significant changes this season. With Edwin DĂaz now added to the mix, the team is looking to create a deep, versatile bullpen capable of handling the pressure that comes with a potential playoff run. The bullpen will have a new-look dynamic, with Graterol, DĂaz, and several other arms combining to form a formidable late-game unit.
The 2025 season exposed the weaknesses in the Dodgers’ bullpen, and 2026 offers an opportunity to correct those issues. With DĂaz anchoring the back end and Graterol returning to form, the Dodgers could find themselves in a strong position to not only contend for the World Series but to dominate in late-game situations.
Looking Ahead: Graterol’s Health Key to Dodgers’ Success
For now, the focus is on Brusdar Graterol’s recovery and ensuring he’s ready for a full season of contributions. The Dodgers will continue to monitor his progress closely, hoping that the health of one of their most important relievers will remain intact as they move closer to the season.
Graterol’s comeback is critical for a Dodgers team that aims to build on their recent successes and continue their dominance in 2026. If he can stay healthy and perform at a high level, he’ll be a major asset in what could be a historic season for the team. The Dodgers’ bullpen depth is set to be a defining feature of their roster, and Graterol’s return could be the key to their ultimate success.
