Manager Dave Roberts confirmed this grim news during a pregame press conference, revealing that Graterol, who has battled injuries for the past two seasons, has not been cleared to resume throwing and is effectively sidelined until further notice.
The Dodgers’ bullpen, already struggling with consistency, has been heavily taxed this season, leading the league in innings pitched at an alarming 583.0. With an ERA ranked 19th in Major League Baseball, the team is facing an uphill battle as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. The absence of Graterol, a pivotal player who was instrumental in their previous World Series run, exacerbates an already precarious situation.
Graterol’s injury woes are particularly disheartening given that he missed significant time last season but returned to play a crucial role in the playoffs. This year, however, his absence looms larger than ever, leaving the Dodgers with limited options in a bullpen that has seen the likes of Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott struggle to find their rhythm. As the team grapples with these challenges, the pressure mounts to secure victories against weaker opponents like the Colorado Rockies, who they face in a crucial series.
Despite a recent win against the Rockies, the Dodgers’ performance has been marred by a lack of confidence in their relief pitchers. The team is in dire need of dependable arms as they prepare for what could be a challenging postseason. With Graterol’s future uncertain, the organization is left to ponder whether they can rely on a bullpen that has been anything but reliable.
As the days tick down to the end of the regular season, the Dodgers are left hoping for a miracle: that Graterol can somehow make a miraculous recovery in time for the playoffs. However, the reality is stark—the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, and the Dodgers must navigate the final games of the season without one of their most valuable assets.
Fans and analysts alike are left to wonder: can the Dodgers overcome this latest injury hurdle and mount a successful postseason run? Only time will tell, but the urgency of the moment is palpable as the team prepares for what lies ahead.
