Brusdar Graterol’s Recovery Isn’t Halting the Celebration — Dodgers Reliever Dances After Venezuela Wins WBC

While Brusdar Graterol may be sidelined as he continues the recovery process from shoulder surgery and offseason treatment, he’s clearly not letting the downtime keep his spirits down. The Los Angeles Dodgers reliever was recently captured dancing and celebrating inside the team clubhouse after Team Venezuela’s stunning victory over Team USA to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic, showing his full enthusiasm for the sport even when he’s not on the field.

The clip shared on social media shows Graterol breaking out moves alongside his teammates, embracing the joy of seeing his countrymen lift the international trophy. The moment was shared by Dodgers teammates — including Miguel Rojas — who posted the video for fans to enjoy and celebrate with them.

The celebration makes it clear that even though Graterol is currently recovering and likely to miss the start of the MLB season, his connection to baseball and pride in Venezuelan success remains strong.

Why Graterol and Rojas Didn’t Play in the World Baseball Classic

The reason Graterol was not part of Venezuela’s WBC roster isn’t performance-related — it’s due to his ongoing recovery from labrum and shoulder injuries that have kept him sidelined with the Dodgers over recent seasons. The veteran hurler has dealt with shoulder inflammation and subsequent surgery, and while he’s trending toward a return, the Dodgers have been cautious about rushing him back to the mound.

As for Rojas, the situation was very different but equally frustrating. The veteran infielder had wanted to represent Venezuela in the Classic but was unable to secure the necessary insurance coverage due to his age — players who turn 37 before the tournament face stricter insurance criteria from WBC organizers and MLB, and Rojas was effectively ruled ineligible because of that policy.

Rojas expressed his disappointment publicly, lamenting that age was treated as a barrier despite him still being active and effective in the MLB. For a player who has starred in the big leagues and hit key home runs — including a memorable late-inning shot in the 2025 World Series — missing out on the chance to wear his country’s colors was a bitter pill to swallow.

Venezuela’s Historic WBC Win: Underdogs No More

Despite missing stars like Graterol and Rojas, Team Venezuela delivered a historic performance at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, defeating the heavily favored Team USA 3–2 in the championship game. The Venezuelan squad fought from behind, responding to a late-game rally by the Americans and ultimately winning with a clutch RBI double in the top of the ninth inning.

It marked Venezuela’s first-ever World Baseball Classic title, a milestone achievement in the nation’s baseball history that energized fans around the globe — and stirred up celebration back home with players like Graterol and Rojas soaking in the moment from afar.

Dodgers in Spring Training: Graterol’s 2026 Outlook

As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 MLB season, Graterol’s status remains one to watch closely. The hard-throwing Venezuelan has been sidelined in recent years with shoulder issues, from inflammation to labrum surgery, following what would have been pivotal seasons in Los Angeles.

Though he’s not yet cleared to pitch in regular-season games, Graterol’s positive energy and visible celebration in the clubhouse are a sign that his recovery is progressing and that he’s mentally locked in for a return. Seeing him dance alongside teammates and celebrate countrymen’s success has been a welcome sight for Dodgers fans who are eager for his return to form this year.

The Emotional Resonance of International Success

Moments like these — a player healing from injury dancing in celebration of his national team’s success — speak to the deep emotional connection professional athletes have with their sport and their heritage. For Graterol and Rojas, the World Baseball Classic was about more than just competition; it was about pride, identity, and the joy of seeing Venezuelan baseball rise to the highest level on the world stage.

Whether Graterol’s path back to the mound takes him through the early weeks of the MLB season or slightly later, seeing him in high spirits reminds fans of the immense passion these players bring — on and off the field. After all, baseball is more than just a game; it’s something that connects countries, cultures, teammates and believers alike.