The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen suffered another blow when relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol underwent surgery to address a lower back injury that flared up during a minor-league rehab assignment. The operation was confirmed after Graterol shared an update on social media, and the team has moved him to the 60-day injured list, signaling that a lengthy recovery may be ahead.
The development ends a difficult run for Graterol, who has battled a succession of setbacks since contributing to the Dodgers’ postseason staff. He posted a defiant message about his rehabilitation, but the club and player now face the prospect of restarting a long rehabilitation process.
How the injury unfolded
Graterol had been working back from a prior shoulder procedure, trying to return via a stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City. After his fourth appearance on that assignment, he experienced a recurrence of back pain and was removed from the rehab program. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reported at the time that the back had “flared up,” and general manager Brandon Gomes indicated surgery was among the options after the team tried conservative measures.
Medical history and recent context
Before the new back issue, Graterol underwent a labrum surgery in November that kept him out for an extended period and caused him to miss the Dodgers’ title-defense campaign. He attempted a stepped return this spring but struggled to regain his characteristic upper-90s fastball velocity in the organized throwing program. His velocity dipped again during the rehab outing, which coincided with the back complaint.
Implications for Graterol and the Dodgers
With Graterol now having surgery, his availability for the remainder of the season is unclear. The transfer to the 60-day injured list underscores the likelihood of a protracted timeline before he could rejoin the active roster. Graterol owns a 2.78 career earned run average across six major-league seasons and last pitched in the majors during the 2026 postseason, when he was part of a bullpen that helped secure a championship.
Manager Roberts had previously cautioned that any comeback would be gradual, saying the program for Graterol would be slow. Now, with the operation complete, the organization must map out rehabilitation steps while balancing short-term roster needs and long-term health.
What the surgery means for his contract status
Graterol is on the final season of his current contract and will be eligible for free agency at the end of the year. A season-ending recovery could significantly affect both his immediate contributions to the team and his market value this offseason. The Dodgers will monitor his recovery and explore roster options to cover the lost bullpen innings.
Broader pitching-picture: other Dodgers injuries and roster moves
The club is juggling several pitching concerns beyond Graterol. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow was shut down from throwing after another back flare-up and has not yet progressed to mound work; the team is intentionally conservative with him to avoid rushing a return. Glasnow had shown strong results when healthy, but recurring injuries have limited his availability since joining the organization.
Left-hander Blake Snell also faces a procedure, but of a different kind. Snell is scheduled for a minimally invasive operation to remove loose bodies from his pitching elbow using a technique often described as the “NanoNeedle” procedure. That approach has produced faster recoveries for other pitchers who underwent it, and the Dodgers are hopeful for a shorter timeline compared with traditional elbow surgeries. The club will confirm specifics once they have a surgical report.
Organizational adjustments and new roles
To help stabilize the pitching staff, the Dodgers clarified the role for newly acquired left-hander Eric Lauer, who will be used primarily as a starter rather than a reliever. The front office views Lauer as a backend rotation option who can provide length while the club navigates temporary absences. General manager Gomes emphasized a measured approach: balancing immediate wins with long-term process and player health.
Outlook and next steps
For Graterol, the path forward is focused on recovery milestones, incremental throwing programs, and a conservative timetable driven by medical evaluation. The team will track progress through physical therapy and structured rehab outings if and when they become feasible. For Dodgers fans, the combination of Graterol’s surgery and other pitching procedures means the front office must remain adaptable in the months ahead.
Ultimately, the organization hopes to protect pitchers’ long-term effectiveness even if that means short-term roster juggling. Graterol’s public message conveyed determination to return, and the Dodgers will coordinate his care with that goal in mind while managing the broader pitching unit.
