Brusdar Graterol ’s road back to the mound has been anything but straightforward, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are finally seeing tangible progress. The hard-throwing right-hander has officially begun a rehab assignment at Triple-A, marking his first game action since undergoing shoulder surgery late in 2024.

Health has long been the only thing capable of slowing Graterol. Between 2022 and 2024, he made multiple trips to the Injured List, most frequently due to shoulder inflammation.

Those recurring issues ultimately led to surgery in November 2024, a procedure that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025 season. While there had been hope he might return late last year, that timeline never materialized, prompting the Dodgers to take a more cautious approach heading into 2026.

Manager Dave Roberts made it clear early in spring that the club would not rush Graterol’s recovery. Los Angeles placed him on the Injured List before Opening Day, prioritizing long-term health over an accelerated return. That patience now appears to be paying off as Graterol begins the next phase of his comeback.

When healthy, Graterol has proven to be one of the more unique arms in the Dodgers’ bullpen. His last full season in 2023 showcased just how effective he can be. Across 68 appearances, he posted a sparkling 1.20 ERA over more than 67 innings, relying less on strikeouts and more on elite contact management.

His ability to induce ground balls at an exceptionally high rate made him a reliable option in high-leverage spots, even without overpowering swing-and-miss numbers.

He did briefly return late in 2024, logging a handful of innings and even contributing during the postseason with a pair of scoreless outings on the biggest stage. Still, the long layoff raises questions about whether his trademark velocity and heavy sinker will fully return.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, there is no urgency to rush him back. The Dodgers’ bullpen has stabilized after an inconsistent 2025 campaign, posting improved run prevention and strong underlying metrics early this season.

A mix of emerging contributors and bounce-back performances has helped solidify the group, giving the organization flexibility with Graterol’s timeline.

Whenever he is ready, Graterol’s return could provide a valuable boost. His groundball-heavy approach offers a different look compared to other relievers and could become an important weapon in the middle and late innings.

With free agency looming after the 2026 season, this rehab stint represents not only a comeback effort but also an opportunity for Graterol to reestablish his value on the mound.

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