Amid all the hoopla of their MLB-best record, their qualification to the postseason, and other circumstances surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers, fans might be forgetting about one notable name.
Brusdar Graterol has been activated from the injured list and looks ready to help the Dodgers protect late-inning leads.
He had been out since late-August with inflammation on his right elbow.
The ailment threatened to end his season, but that won’t be happening.
Before getting hurt, he was pitching extremely well for LA.
“It stretches back to June 8, but Brusdar Graterol has a 0.84 ERA over his last 20 games. He also hasn’t issued a walk since May 24,” Dodgers insider Blake Harris tweeted.
It stretches back to June 8, but Brusdar Graterol has a 0.84 ERA over his last 20 games
He also hasn't issued a walk since May 24
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) September 23, 2022
Perhaps the most impressive thing is that he hasn’t walked anyone since late-May.
Graterol Certainly Deserves Consideration For The Closer Role
As a reminder, Graterol can throw 100 mph with ease, something that is not easy to find despite the proliferation of high-velo guys in MLB.
His effortless delivery helps him with his command.
For the year as a whole, Graterol has pitched 45.2 innings while only allowing 32 hits and 10 walks.
He has struck out 40 hitters and has an excellent 2.96 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.
You could make a case that he deserves consideration to be the closer, since Craig Kimbrel has a mediocre 4.14 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP.
In any case, Graterol can’t do anything about it other than keep extending his dominance and showing his elbow is 100 percent healthy.
If he can keep doing that, good things will happen, perhaps a promotion to the closer role.
As long as he is healthy and contributing no matter the role, the Dodgers’ brass will be happy, and fans will be satisfied.
NEXT: The Dodgers Make A Daniel Hudson Decision
