The Los Angeles Dodgers just hit a rough patch—star pitcher Brusdar Graterol won’t be ready for Opening Day 2026. Graterol’s been a key figure in their bullpen, so this news stings.
His absence will definitely shake up the team’s early-season plans. The Dodgers will have to rethink their pitching strategy and figure out how to get by without him for now.
The Extent of Brusdar Graterol’s Injury
People around the Dodgers have been buzzing about Graterol’s injury. The right-hander’s been battling a stubborn shoulder issue that just won’t heal as fast as everyone hoped.
He’ll miss the start of the 2026 season. That’s a big hole in the Dodgers’ bullpen, no matter how you slice it.
Details of the Injury
Graterol’s shoulder problems popped up during the offseason. Even after a lot of rehab, he’s just not bouncing back as quickly as expected.
The Dodgers’ medical staff checks in on him constantly, but they’ve decided he can’t pitch by Opening Day. They’re playing it safe, aiming to protect his long-term health and keep him effective when he does come back.
Impact on the Dodgers’ Bullpen
Without Graterol, the bullpen’s going to look different. He’s been the guy with the high-velocity stuff who can lock down games.
Now, the Dodgers have to find someone else to handle those big moments. It’s not ideal, but that’s baseball.
Potential Replacements
The team does have a few options to fill in. Here are some of the names floating around:
- Blake Treinen: Veteran reliever, knows how to handle pressure.
- Victor González: Lefty with some solid outings in the past.
- Phil Bickford: Young arm, could surprise people if given the chance.
These guys will have to step it up. The coaching staff’s got their work cut out for them, juggling roles and figuring out who fits where.
Strategies for Managing the Bullpen
With Graterol sidelined, the Dodgers need to get creative. They’ll have to watch pitch counts, play the matchups, and maybe even call up some new faces from the minors.
Utilizing Pitch Counts
One thing the Dodgers might do is keep a close eye on how many pitches each reliever throws. It’s about keeping arms fresh and avoiding more injuries.
That’ll take some careful planning—and probably a few in-game pivots when things get dicey.
Strategic Matchups
The coaching staff will lean harder into matchups. They’ll try to use each reliever where he can do the most damage against opposing hitters.
It’s not a perfect solution, but it might keep the bullpen afloat while Graterol heals up.
Long-Term Implications
Graterol’s injury isn’t just a short-term headache. The Dodgers have to think about the bigger picture, too.
If this shoulder issue lingers, it could change how they build their bullpen in the future.
Preventing Future Injuries
To keep this from happening again, the Dodgers will probably double down on medical and training resources. They’ll look at new rehab techniques and make sure pitchers stay in top shape.
Anything to avoid another setback like this, honestly.
Bolstering Bullpen Depth
The team might also look for help outside—maybe a trade, maybe free agency. Or heck, maybe someone from the farm system steps up.
Having more reliable relievers is never a bad thing, especially with injuries always lurking.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Dodgers fans have had a lot to say about Graterol’s injury. Some folks are worried about how the team will start the season, and you can’t really blame them.
Others seem to trust that the Dodgers will figure it out, like they usually do. It’s a mix of nerves and hope, which is pretty much par for the course in baseball.
Concerns
Fans are anxious about losing one of the team’s best relievers. The early season matters, and missing Graterol could make it tough to get off on the right foot.
Optimism
Still, a lot of people believe in the Dodgers’ depth. They’ve weathered storms before, and there’s a sense that someone will rise to the occasion.
Conclusion
Brusdar Graterol’s injury is a tough blow for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they look ahead to the 2026 season. It’s not the kind of news any team wants right before things get started.
Still, the Dodgers have a deep roster and a knack for adapting when things go sideways. They’ll need to dig into that depth and figure out how to patch things up on the fly.
If you’re curious about the details of Graterol’s injury or want the latest updates, you can check out the full report here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
