The Los Angeles Dodgers are bracing for the 2025 MLB season with a significant challenge on their hands—the extended absence of a pivotal bullpen figure, Brusdar Graterol. With Graterol out until the second half of the season due to right shoulder surgery to repair his labrum, the Dodgers face a critical test of their depth and resilience.
Graterol's 2024 Season Struggles
The 2024 season was a tumultuous one for Graterol, who was constrained to just seven regular-season games and three postseason appearances. His season was plagued by shoulder inflammation alongside a hamstring injury, curtailing his usual robust presence on the mound. Despite these challenges, Graterol was able to make a minor impact during the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees, allowing only one run on two hits over 2 1/3 innings. This performance came as part of the Dodgers’ successful campaign to secure their second World Series title in five years.
History and Performance
Graterol first joined the Dodgers in February 2020, arriving from the Minnesota Twins. Originally part of a proposed trade to the Boston Red Sox for Mookie Betts, concerns about his arm health ultimately redirected Graterol to Los Angeles. Since then, he has become an integral component of the Dodgers’ bullpen, consistently delivering an average of 49 appearances per season with an impressive 2.63 ERA and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Challenges Ahead for the Dodgers
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed a measure of cautious uncertainty regarding Graterol's recovery journey, stating, "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good." This yo-yo pattern leaves the team in a bind, forcing them to adapt and fill the void left by Graterol’s absence. As Roberts remarked, "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."
Despite these uncertainties, the Dodgers have a history of effectively adjusting to such setbacks. The team has consistently managed to navigate through injuries, drawing upon their depth and strategic acumen to mitigate potential impacts on their championship pursuits. This adaptive ability was starkly evident in 2024, where even with Graterol’s limited participation, the Dodgers emerged victorious in the World Series.
The 2025 Season Outlook
As the Dodgers aim to defend their World Series title in 2025, their strategy and flexibility in handling Graterol's absence could play a crucial role in defining their season trajectory. With a strong core of players and a capable supporting cast, they remain committed to overcoming this latest challenge. The team's leadership, led by Roberts, will be instrumental in maintaining focus and drive amidst adversity.
Graterol's return in the latter half of the season could offer a significant boost, provided his recovery progresses as planned. In the meantime, this period without him will offer opportunities for others within the roster to step up and contribute. The Dodgers are no strangers to facing difficulties and have consistently risen to the occasion. This resilience has been a hallmark of their success over recent years, and it will undoubtedly be tested once again as the 2025 season unfolds.