The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to activate right-hander Brusdar Graterol from the injured list before Monday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Graterol, 26, suffered a hamstring strain over a month ago in his first appearance of the season. The Dodgers will need to make a roster move to activate Graterol. On Friday, he threw one scoreless inning in his last rehab outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He’s been on the 15-day IL due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain, but his return will help an injury-riddled Dodgers team.
Brusdar Graterol to Return Before Cubs Series
Graterol spent the entire season rehabbing a shoulder injury and made it back on the mound. He had a strong 2023 season with the Dodgers going 4-2 with a 1.20 ERA in 67 1/3 innings. He was an even bigger bullpen piece for manager Dave Roberts from 2022-23, posting a 2.08 ERA in 114 games. Graterol often served as the set-up man for closers Craig Kimbrel and Evan Phillips, he led the team with 29 holds. Since coming over from the Minnesota Twins in 2020, Graterol has a 1.71 ERA in 21 appearances, including the postseason. Graterol is making $2.7 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility. He is set to become a free agent after 2026.
A Huge Boost for the Dodgers
The Dodgers have encountered their fair share of injuries this season, but their relief pitchers have recently shown great dependability. Their struggles to close out games have significantly improved with the addition of Michael Kopech before the trade deadline. Furthermore, the anticipated return of another high-leverage reliever like Graterol in September is expected to make a substantial difference come October. Graterol’s presence will provide the Dodgers with an additional late-inning option alongside Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Daniel Hudson. Additionally, the Dodgers’ bullpen has performed admirably this season, ranking third in ERA (3.57), saves (45), batting average against (.225), and seventh in strikeouts (529) in the National League. Notably, they currently lead the league by allowing the most home runs with 70, just two more than the Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers.
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