Dodgers’ Brusdar Graterol Undergoes Back Surgery, Future for Season in Doubt

Brusdar Graterol's ongoing battle with injuries took a troubling new turn this past Sunday. The Los Angeles Dodgers reliever had surgery to address a recent back issue sustained during a minor-league rehab assignment, as confirmed by a source to The California Post. Graterol himself shared news of the operation on Instagram, casting uncertainty on his ability to participate for the remainder of the season.

“I fell again, but I won’t stay down here,” Graterol expressed on his Instagram account. “I will rise. My goal isn’t over — it’s just beginning.”

In early May, Graterol began a rehab stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City as he worked to recover from shoulder surgery that kept him off the field for the entirety of last season and the beginning of this one. However, after only four appearances, he was pulled from his assignment on May 12 when his back injury flared up, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reported at the time. Subsequently, Graterol was placed on the 60-day injured list a week later.

General manager Brandon Gomes mentioned that while surgery was a possible route for the 27-year-old pitcher, the team preferred to explore other options first. “He’s worked really hard [to try and come back],” Gomes noted. Now, Graterol faces the daunting task of starting his recovery anew.

While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, it is anticipated that the surgery will lead to an extended recovery period. Earlier this month, Roberts hinted at a lengthy absence for Graterol, acknowledging that “it’s gonna be a slow program for a while for him, unfortunately.”

Graterol, who boasts a 2.78 career ERA over six MLB seasons, last took the mound during the 2024 postseason, contributing to the Dodgers' first of two consecutive World Series titles. After undergoing labrum surgery in November, he was initially expected to miss the first half of the 2025 season, but complications from his recovery kept him sidelined throughout the entire title defense. As he faced challenges regaining his fastball velocity this spring, hopes for his return began to fade after his May 12 outing, where his speed dropped below 95 mph due to his back issue. Graterol is now left contemplating yet another lengthy rehabilitation process and the possibility of missing the entire season.