Dodgers Cautious With Brusdar Graterol's Shoulder Recovery

Pitcher still not fully recovered from 2024 surgery, team taking slow approach in spring training

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol is still not fully recovered from right shoulder surgery he underwent in November 2024 after pitching through the injury during the 2024 World Series. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team is moving cautiously with Graterol this spring as he continues to work his way back, with the ball not coming out as expected. Graterol joins several other Dodgers pitchers who are behind in their spring training preparations due to various injuries and surgeries.

Why it matters

Graterol's lingering shoulder issues are concerning for the Dodgers, as he was expected to be a key part of their pitching staff this season after missing all of 2025. The Dodgers will need to carefully manage Graterol's recovery to ensure he is healthy and effective when he does return to the mound.

The details

Graterol first dealt with right shoulder inflammation at the end of the 2024 season, which forced him onto the injured list. He was able to return and pitch in three games during the 2024 World Series, but then underwent surgery that November to repair the labrum in his right shoulder. The Dodgers initially expected Graterol to miss at least the first half of the 2025 season, but he never made it back to the mound that year. Now in 2026, Graterol is still not fully recovered, with Roberts saying the team is 'slow playing' him and that the ball isn't coming out as expected as he continues his rehab.

  • Graterol was placed on the 15-day injured list in the final week of the 2024 season due to right shoulder inflammation.
  • Graterol underwent right shoulder surgery in November 2024 to repair a torn labrum.
  • The Dodgers expected Graterol to miss at least the first half of the 2025 season, but he never made it back that year.
  • Graterol is still not fully recovered as of spring training 2026, with the Dodgers taking a cautious approach with his recovery.

The players

Brusdar Graterol

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has been dealing with a right shoulder injury since the end of the 2024 season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ball hasn't come out the way they'd expected as he continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Graterol's progress and recovery throughout spring training, with the goal of having him ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. However, the team has indicated they will take a cautious approach and not rush him back if he is not fully healed.

The takeaway

Graterol's lingering shoulder issues are a significant concern for the Dodgers, who were counting on him to be a key part of their pitching staff this season. The team's cautious approach shows they are prioritizing Graterol's long-term health over rushing him back, which is the prudent move given his injury history.