The Los Angeles Dodgers received a concerning news update on injured reliever Brusdar Graterol that could put his 2026 season in jeopardy.
Graterol underwent back surgery over the weekend, first reported by Jack Harris of the California Post. The right-hander was working his way back from a shoulder injury when he was forced off his rehab assignment with a back issue.
On Sunday, May 31, Graterol posted a photo from the operating room on Instagram. The message read, “I fell again, but I won’t stay down here; I will rise. My goal isn’t over — it’s just beginning.”
The Dodgers’ news is the latest in a seemingly never-ending stream of pitching injuries. The club is currently missing left-hander Blake Snell and right-hander Tyler Glasnow in the starting rotation. Relievers Edwin Diaz, Brock Stewart, Evan Phillips, Ben Casparius, and Bobby Miller are all on the injured list.
Los Angeles Dodgers News Update: Brusdar Graterol Has Back Surgery, Could Miss Rest of Season
GettyThe Los Angeles Dodgers could be without reliever Brusdar Graterol for the rest of the season after the righty underwent back surgery.
Graterol didn’t pitch at all in 2025. He made it back on the mound for four appearances at Triple-A this year. The righty allowed three earned runs in 3.1 innings. He struck out three and walked three with Oklahoma City. Graterol’s back injury “flared up” after his most recent outing with the Comets, manager Dave Roberts shared back in mid-May. The injury pushed Graterol’s big-league back for an undisclosed time. The surgery casts further doubt on his availability in 2026.
After coming over in a February 2020 trade with the Minnesota Twins, Graterol became an integral member of the Dodgers’ bullpen. He provided 23.1 innings with a 3.09 ERA in the shortened 2020 season. The big righty scuffled as a middle reliever in 2021, but emerged as a late-inning option the following season. Graterol recorded the first four saves of his MLB career in 2022. He pitched to a 3.26 ERA as a key leverage piece in the bullpen.
Graterol’s breakout season came in 2023. He delivered a sparkling 1.20 ERA across a career-high 68 appearances. The righty picked up seven saves as a part-time closer with Los Angeles. Injuries delayed him in 2024, but Graterol was available during the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees. He allowed a run over three appearances. The Dodgers won all three games Graterol pitched in, including the deciding Game 5 victory.
Who is Stepping Up in the Dodgers’ Bullpen?
Despite the rampant injury issues, the Dodgers’ bullpen is off to an excellent start. The club’s relievers rank fourth in ERA and fifth in SIERA. Tanner Scott has filled in admirably as the closer with Diaz sidelined. Los Angeles has also received contributions from unexpected sources.
Six different pitchers have saves for the Dodgers. Scott and Diaz lead the team, but former closers Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia have also chipped in. The Dodgers have also seen Will Klein and Kyle Hurt record their first career saves. Both pitchers have notched sub-2.00 ERAs as crucial members of the late-inning mix for Roberts.
Dodgers Could Lose Shutdown Reliever For Rest of Season