The Los Angeles Dodgers will begin the 2026 season without one of their most electrifying bullpen arms. Venezuelan reliever Brusdar Graterol is expected to miss Opening Day as he continues his recovery from right shoulder surgery.
Graterol underwent a labrum repair procedure that kept him sidelined throughout the 2025 campaign. While the hard-throwing right-hander has shown encouraging progress during spring training, the organization has chosen a measured rehabilitation plan to prioritize long-term durability over an accelerated return.
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Known for routinely reaching triple-digit velocity, Graterol has been a valuable piece of the Dodgers’ relief corps in recent seasons. His ability to induce weak contact and deliver under pressure made him a trusted option in high-leverage situations, including postseason appearances during the club’s championship runs.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the team will remain patient, noting that shoulder recoveries can be unpredictable. In the meantime, Los Angeles is expected to rely on a mix of established relievers and emerging talent to stabilize late-inning roles.
When could Graterol return?
If his recovery continues without setbacks, he could rejoin the bullpen in the early weeks of the regular season, though no exact timetable has been confirmed.
