The Dodgers Face 2025 Season Without Key Bullpen Asset
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to embark on the 2025 MLB season without one of their vital bullpen stalwarts, Brusdar Graterol, whose absence will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for the team. Brusdar Graterol, who has been an integral part of the Dodgers since his acquisition in 2020, will miss the first half of the season following right shoulder surgery to repair his labrum.
Graterol's absence will be felt acutely, especially after a year like 2024, during which he was limited to only seven regular-season appearances. His performance was further hindered by shoulder inflammation and a hamstring injury, restricting him to just three postseason outings. Despite his limited participation, Graterol did manage to feature in three games during the 2024 World Series against the formidable New York Yankees, where he allowed one run on two hits over 2 1/3 innings. This gritty contribution helped the Dodgers clinch their second World Series title in five years, a remarkable feat that underscored the depth and resilience of the team.
Graterol’s Journey to Dodgers and Injury Concerns
Originally acquired from the Minnesota Twins in February 2020, Graterol's journey to the Dodgers was not without its twists. He was initially tied to a proposed trade to the Boston Red Sox involving Mookie Betts. However, concerns about Graterol's arm health back then redirected him to Los Angeles, a move that has paid dividends for the Dodgers’ bullpen over the past few seasons. Averaging 49 appearances per season with a solid 2.63 ERA and a 3.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Graterol proved to be a reliable asset for the Dodgers under normal circumstances.
Looking back, his durability had always been a subject of scrutiny, and as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts candidly noted, "Ever since he's been back, it's been kind of touch and go -- good, then not good."
Adjusting to Challenges
The Dodgers have been no strangers to navigating challenges with injured players. The team's ability to adapt and fill voids left by absentee talents like Graterol could very well define their trajectory in the 2025 season. Roberts' observations illuminate this sentiment as he 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."
As Roberts' insight suggests, the Dodgers’ strategy for compensating Graterol’s absence will likely be dynamic and reactive, potentially involving a blend of internal promotions and strategic acquisitions to bolster the bullpen as the season unfolds.
Defending the Title
Despite the setback, the Dodgers have set their sights high yet again as they aim to defend their newly acquired World Series title. Their 2024 triumph over the Yankees is still fresh, reminiscent of their championship pedigree and ability to persevere through adversity. The upcoming season promises to test that resilience again, with Graterol's absence presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the bulwark of the Dodgers’ squad to prove its depth and flexibility.
Fans will be eagerly watching as the Dodgers navigate what could be a pivotal season in consolidating their status as one of MLB’s premier franchises. The way they handle the layers of unpredictability, exacerbated by Graterol's situation, could very well set the tone for their 2025 campaign and their quest for maintaining supremacy in the league.