Dodgers Reliever Graterol to Miss Start of Season

Shoulder surgery recovery will delay his return to the mound

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Brusdar Graterol, a hard-throwing reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is expected to miss the start of the 2026 MLB season as he continues recovering from shoulder surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Graterol's velocity has been slow to return in spring training, leading the team to take a cautious approach with his progression.

Why it matters

Graterol has been a key part of the Dodgers' bullpen, and his absence will create opportunities for younger relievers to step up. The Dodgers' bullpen depth will be tested early in the season as they also await the returns of Brock Stewart and Evan Phillips from their own injury recoveries.

The details

Graterol, who has a 2.78 career ERA, missed all of last season recovering from shoulder surgery. Though he came into spring training hopeful of returning for Opening Day, Roberts said Graterol will be on a slower progression as he ramps up his velocity in the coming weeks. The Dodgers will also be without Brock Stewart, who is still working his way back from a September shoulder surgery, and Evan Phillips, who isn't expected back until midseason as he completes his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

  • Graterol is expected to miss the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Brusdar Graterol

A hard-throwing reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is recovering from shoulder surgery.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Brock Stewart

A Dodgers reliever who is recovering from a September shoulder surgery.

Evan Phillips

A Dodgers reliever who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and isn't expected back until midseason.

Will Klein

A young right-handed reliever for the Dodgers trying to earn a permanent roster spot.

Edgardo Henriquez

A young right-handed reliever for the Dodgers trying to earn a permanent roster spot.

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What they’re saying

“With Brusdar, he's shown that we can count on him when he's needed in the biggest of spots. We just got to get him back up to that velocity. It's an intentionally slow build-up.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor Graterol's progress closely in the coming weeks as he ramps up his throwing program. The team will also be evaluating its other injured relievers, Brock Stewart and Evan Phillips, to determine their timelines for returning to the active roster.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' bullpen depth will be tested early in the 2026 season as they await the returns of several key right-handed relievers from injury. This creates opportunities for younger pitchers to step up and potentially earn more prominent roles in the Dodgers' relief corps.