Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol posted a picture of himself from a hospital bed in an Instagram story on Sunday, noting “I fell again, but I won’t stay down here. I will rise. My goal isn’t over — it’s just beginning.”
Graterol had back surgery, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Back tightness was the reason Graterol was shut down from his minor league rehab assignment after his May 12 outing for Triple-A Oklahoma City. Graterol pitched in only four games on the rehab assignment, but those represent his only game action over the last two seasons, still working his way back from right shoulder surgery in November 2024.
When Graterol appeared in a game for Oklahoma City on May 2, it marked his first game of any kind in 549 days.
Graterol’s message in his Instagram story is right in line with his persona, both online and off, always looking for the silver lining. On May 21, for instance, in an IG post Graterol wrote, “I know God has better things in store for me. I am a warrior; I do not give up—I keep fighting. I love you all. This is not goodbye; it is ‘see you soon.’ 🫡 bless”
Links
The Dodgers did not face Philadelphia Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez over the weekend, but he’s on one the best runs by any pitcher in baseball history. He just finished off a literally scoreless May, and has 44 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings at the moment. Scott Lauber at the Philadelphia Inquirer caught up with Dodgers broadcaster Orel Hershiser, owner of the MLB record with 59 scoreless innings in 1988.
Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic has more on Kyle Tucker’s recent struggles at the plate.