The Dodgers are in no rush to bring back their key right-handed reliever; Graterol confirmed to miss the Opening Day lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced today that Venezuelan dominant right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol will be absent from the Opening Day roster.

Graterol, 27, last pitched for the Dodgers during the 2024 World Series. That year, he missed much of the season due to shoulder inflammation and a hamstring strain, appearing in only seven regular-season games, pitching 7.1 innings with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.682 WHIP. However, he appeared in relief in games 1, 3, and 5 of the World Series, totaling 2.1 innings with one run allowed. The Dodgers won all three games and ultimately defeated the New York Yankees 4-1, earning Graterol his second championship since being traded to the Dodgers in 2020.

In November 2024, Graterol underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and missed the entire previous season, unable to participate in the Dodgers’ two-year championship run. In January this year, he agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million qualifying offer to avoid salary arbitration.

Graterol made his major league debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2019. Before the 2020 season, he was traded to the Dodgers along with Luke Raley and the 67th overall draft pick in exchange for Kenta Maeda, Jair Camargo, and cash. In his first season with the Dodgers, he pitched in eight postseason games and, although he did not appear in the World Series, contributed to the team’s championship victory.

Before his lengthy absence due to surgery, the Venezuelan right-hander had appeared in 188 games over six seasons, including five starts and 44 saves, pitching a total of 190.2 innings. He posted an 11-9 record, 41 holds, 11 saves, 148 strikeouts, a 2.78 ERA, a 1.044 WHIP, and a bWAR of 3.5.