Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals Status of Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol Ahead of World Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers could get two pitchers back in their bullpen for the World Series in Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol. Both Vesia and Graterol were not part of the Dodgers’ roster for the National League Championship Series, but could return for the World Series. Dave Roberts said on Tuesday that both would be “game-time decisions.”

Vesia missed the NLCS after he was injured during Game 5 of the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres. Vesia pitched in three games during the NLDS, allowing one hit and no earned runs while striking out four over a total of three innings.

“We’re hopeful. We’re not sure,” said Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman of Vesia ahead of the NLCS, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com. “But it’s something we’re going to do everything we can to keep treating it and put him in position for that. So we’re hopeful. It’s two days later, we don’t really know. But the early signs yesterday were optimistic, but who knows what that means.”

The Dodgers would love to have Vesia back, as he is one of the team’s top relievers and best left-handed relievers. Vesia pitched in 67 games for the Dodgers over the regular season, posting a 1.76 ERA, 87 strikeouts, and five saves during that time.

Graterol has dealt with injuries throughout the season, and began dealing with discomfort in his shoulder prior to the postseason. He has not been ruled out of the postseason, and could return to the World Series if ready. Graterol pitched in just seven games this year, posting a 2.45 ERA and seven strikeouts.

With Vesia and Graterol out, the Dodgers turned to Brent Honeywell in the NLCS. Honeywell pitched in two games during the NLCS. He pitched three innings in Game 2 of the NLCS, allowing two hits and no runs while striking out two. He then took on a majority of the work in Game 5 to save the bullpen, allowing six hits and four earned runs over 4.2 innings.

If the Dodgers are able to get either Vesia or Graterol back, they will have to make some decisions on their roster, including whether or not to retain guys like Honeywell or Ben Casparius for the World Series.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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