Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Max Muncy and Brusdar Graterol Activated, Justin Bruihl, Luke Williams Optioned to Triple-A

After three games away (and a series loss in Pittsburgh) the Dodgers get a pair of important players back with the returns of 3B Max Muncy and RHP Brusdar Graterol from the paternity list. To make room on the 26-man roster, INF Luke Williams and LHP Justin Bruihl have been optioned to Triple-A, per J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group.

The Dodgers struggled against the Pirates without Muncy and Graterol. Outside of an unlikely come from behind win on Tuesday, the LA offense scored just 3 runs over 2 losses to Pittsburgh. And to top it off, the bullpen couldn’t hold the Pirates in check in any way, shape, or form. Coming off of a series win in Chicago, the absences of Max and Brusdar was felt.

Max Muncy, coming off of Player of the Week honors in his last week played, leads the team in home runs (11), runs batted in (21), walks (18), and OPS (1.129). He comes off the paternity list after welcoming his new baby boy, Wyatt, to the world along with mama Kellie.

On the pitching side of things, Graterol has been one of LA’s steadiest relievers this season with a 2.53 ERA over 10 appearances. He hasn’t allowed a run since April 8th, and has pitched 6.2 consecutive scoreless innings.

Bruihl was actually one of the better Dodger relievers this season, so it’s a little surprising that he’s the one being sent down. Alex Vesia has struggled mightily, and could have been sent down as he has options left. However, instead, the Dodgers elected to go with Bruihl.

In five appearances this season, Bruihl has pitched five innings and has a 1.80 ERA. He goes back down to Triple-A for now, but should be back up sooner rather than later — especially if Vesia continues to struggle.

As for Williams, he struggled at the big league level, getting just one hit in 10 at-bats. He’s now going back to Triple-A, and will likely only come back up if the injuries strike again.

Notably, that means rookie infielder Michael Busch’s time in the majors is not done yet. The Dodgers elected to send Williams down, and give Busch a longer runway.

Will Smith Return?

It also sounds like Will Smith is returning to the Dodgers lineup on Friday as the designated hitter. The team hasn’t made an announcement yet, as they appear to be waiting to see how J.D. Martinez is feeling, and if he needs to go on the injured list.

We’ll continue to update you on this story, and when Smith ultimately gets activated.

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Clint Pasillas

Clint Pasillas has been writing, blogging, and podcasting about the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2008. Under Clint's leadership as the Lead Editor, Dodgers Nation has grown into one of the most read baseball sites in the world with millions of unique visitors per month. Find him online on Twitter/X or his YouTube channel!

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