The long-awaited 2024 debut of Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen pitcher Brusdar Graterol ended in disaster. The right-hander, who had been on the injured list for more than four months due to shoulder inflammation, was taken off the mound in Los Angeles’ 6-2 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies with what appeared to be a major leg injury.
Graterol’s expression was that of a man who knew his season was ended before it even began, leaving his teammates and supporters in evident misery, according to Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation. Fortunately, the injury appears worse than it is.
The team claims he has a strained right hamstring, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. That is not cause for celebration, as Graterol may still face a lengthy IL sentence, but he has averted the worst-case scenario that Dodger Stadium feared it had witnessed on Tuesday night.
Brusdar Graterol fights back tears as he's helped off the field by his teammates after what appears to be a serious injury to his right leg.
Tonight was Graterol's season debut after missing the first 4.5 months dealing with a shoulder injury.
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) August 7, 2024
Dodgers have been banking on Brusdar Graterol
The 25-year-old flamethrower threw just eight pitches before injuring himself. Although the team managed a 66-47 record in his absence, manager Dave Roberts is keen to have Graterol in the bullpen come October.
Last season, the Venezuelan native posted an impressive 1.20 ERA across 68 games, providing stability at the back of the Dodgers’ bullpen. However, it may be challenging to rely on him in critical moments this year since he hasn’t yet completed a full inning of work.
Graterol’s brief return against the Phillies was marred by difficulty; he gave up one hit, one walk, and two earned runs. This setback overshadows a promising performance by Clayton Kershaw, who allowed just one run in 4.2 innings after his own return. Unfortunately, such injuries have become all too common for the Dodgers, who face another tough blow despite recent good news about Mookie Betts.
The team is investing heavily in top talent to address persistent injury and depth issues, but it might not be enough. For the second consecutive postseason, the Dodgers’ pitching staff could be severely depleted.
While they can’t control these setbacks, the Dodgers will need to adapt and find the right formula in time for the playoffs. There’s hope that Graterol might receive a favorable diagnosis and return to the mound soon.
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