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Dodgers Bullpen In Jeopardy After Another Pitcher Gets Shutdown

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated May 16, 2026 8:55 AM ET

Strength and depth in the relief pitching department have definitely been one of the major weapons for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their success over the past half-decade. However, their bullpen is struggling to perform at the expected level. Meanwhile, the Dodgers also have several key relievers on the IL.

The Los Angeles Dodgers hoped to have Brusdar Graterol back in their bullpen from his long injury layoff over the next few weeks. The 27-year-old right-hander started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma earlier this month after missing the entire 2025 campaign. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled Graterol out of action on Friday due to a back issue.

Tough blow for the Dodgers: Brusdar Graterol has been shut down again. That bullpen stability everyone’s waiting for? Delayed.

READ: https://t.co/YyW59CF0EM
— DodgersBeat | Dodgers News & Interviews (@DodgersBeat) May 16, 2026

Graterol was a high-leverage arm of the Dodgers during their run to the 2020 World Series. He spent the majority of the 2024 season on the IL recovering from a shoulder injury. After winning the World Series, Graterol underwent shoulder surgery that prevented him from pitching for the Dodgers last year.

Dodgers’ Brusdar Graterol To Undergo Scans For His Back Injury

According to MLB insider Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Brusdar Graterol is undergoing further evaluation for his back injury. This sets off his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers for at least a few more months.

Brusdar Graterol is getting pulled off of his rehab assignment and undergoing further evaluation, sources said. His back flared up on him and he’s going in for imaging. This obviously sets his timeline way back for a potential return. Velocity was down in his last outing.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 15, 2026

“Brusdar Graterol is getting pulled off of his rehab assignment and undergoing further evaluation, sources said. His back flared up on him, and he’s going in for imaging. This obviously sets his timeline way back for a potential return. Velocity was down in his last outing,” Ardaya posted on X.

Graterol did not fare well during his rehab assignment. He had an 8.10 from 3.1 innings over four appearances on the mound before suffering his back issue. His velocity dropped considerably on Friday, prompting the Dodgers to take a look at his body for an injury.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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