Dodgers: What’s the Latest with Brusdar Graterol?

He’s like a long lost friend at the moment. After playing an integral role with the Dodgers in 2020, Brusdar Graterol has appeared in just 3 games this season. After a World Series run with LA last season, he arrived to spring training late and didn’t participate in a game while being slow played in his ramp-up to facing hitters. 

The team never fully revealed what got the Bazooka behind schedule in the offseason. At best, Dave Roberts only offered that the reliever was unable to throw off a mound in the winter for reasons.

After finally getting healthy enough to make his season debut, Brusdar soon found himself on the injured list with forearm soreness after only 3 outings. Eventually he was activated from the IL and surprisingly optioned back to the minor leagues to work on his command and secondary pitch.

Related: Dave Roberts on Why Brusdar Graterol Was Sent Back to Triple-A

Now, ahead of Friday night’s game, Roberts provided an update on Graterol’s progress with Oklahoma City.

He’s doing OK. The velocity is good. I think the outings have been up and down. He’s trying to manage that slider — command it, shorten it, strike it. He just needs to continue to get better. We’re watching him every outing.

In 6 outings at OKC, Brusdar has allowed 5 runs over 5.2 innings pitched. Moreover, the right-hander has tossed 4 scoreless outings with all the damage coming in 2 rough appearances.

With more than 90 games still to play in 2021, the team can afford to get the Bazooka locked and loaded for a late season return and hope he can be a difference maker in October.

NEXT: Latest Injury Updates, LA Makes a Trade and More