No less than now we now have the rationale why Brusdar Graterol has pitched sparingly thus far this spring. The Dodgers right-hander has been coping with a sore shoulder and hip tightness and won’t journey with the crew to South Korea, Graterol instructed reporters Sunday morning at Camelback Ranch.
Brusdar Graterol, who pitched in only one Cactus League recreation this spring, stated right now that he won’t go to Korea.
Graterol stated he has been coping with hip tightness and again ache, however is hopeful he will probably be prepared for the March 28 house opener.
– Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 10, 2024
Graterol additionally seen some shoulder discomfort, however minimized its severity. He did some plyo work and appeared extra targeted on addressing his left hip tightness.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 10, 2024
Graterol has pitched in simply one of many Dodgers' 17 Cactus League video games thus far, pitching a scoreless inning on March 2 in opposition to the Cubs.
Beginning the common season every week early makes for some oddities, but when Graterol is ready to pitch by the Dodgers' March 28 house opener in opposition to the Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, he may have missed simply two video games. In different phrases, if this had been the common season, placing Graterol on the injured listing on Sunday would nonetheless give him time to be sidelined for not less than 15 days and nonetheless be able to pitch on March 28.
Whereas that could be overly optimistic for somebody who has solely pitched in a single recreation thus far this spring, it doesn't take a lot time for a reduction pitcher to construct preparation, in comparison with a starter.
Graterol is a staple within the again finish of the Dodgers bullpen, posting a 1.20 ERA and three.09 xERA whereas main the crew in appearances and innings in reduction final season, and completed the yr with a 28-inning hitting streak no scores, together with the postseason.
The Dodgers' bullpen is a fluid scenario for the time being, which is to be anticipated given the schedule, despite the fact that their first common season recreation is simply 10 days away. Blake Treinen was hit by a line within the ribs on Saturday, with check outcomes pending. There's additionally the matter of the timing of including non-roster invitee Daniel Hudson to the roster, and the doable addition of non-roster lefty Justin Wilson as properly.
Nevertheless, there may be not less than one roster spot for an additional arm within the bullpen for the time being. Possibly somebody like Michael Grove, who can be a candidate for the fifth starter's spot and struck out six in 3⅓ innings on Saturday.
“I'm simply making an attempt to make the crew. I don't make these sorts of selections.” Grove told reporters Saturday, per SportsNet LA. “It’s going to rely loads on who’s wholesome and what we’re as a crew going to Korea.”
