The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen has been the strength of their team thus far, even though they’ve dealt with a multitude of injuries to their group.
Some of their key relievers, including Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen, have spent time on the injured list this year. While both of them have since returned, the Dodgers still have a few high-leverage arms on the shelf.
Ryan Brasier is one of them and he has still felt discomfort in his calf and his return is still up in the air.
Brusdar Graterol has not yet pitched this season, and his timeline has been the least-clear of any of their pitchers. He suffered right shoulder inflammation in Spring Training that the Dodgers originally hoped would be short-term, but it has been anything but that.
However, there was some positive news recently as Graterol began checking off some boxes, including a simulated game at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. Now, he is expected to start a rehab assignment soon after the All-Star break that takes place next week, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Roberts also said right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol has progressed far enough in his throwing program that he will “probably” start a minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment after the All-Star break. Graterol has not pitched this season due to a shoulder injury, but a return to the Dodgers’ bullpen by the end of July “is a possibility, which is encouraging.”
As for Joe Kelly, he has already began his rehab assignment, although the results have been mixed with good and bad outings. Still, Kelly is expected to return to the Dodgers after the All-Star break as well:
Joe Kelly continued his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, pitching on consecutive days. He retired the only batter he faced. Roberts said Kelly is expected back with the Dodgers after the All-Star break.
Kelly has been out since May 6 with a right posterior shoulder strain. The Dodgers also transferred him to the 60-day IL, so they would need to clear a 40-man roster spot for him upon his return.
He has pitched just 13.1 innings this year, posting a 4.73 ERA.
Who is the odd-man out for Joe Kelly in Dodgers bullpen?
When Kelly returns, he would likely take the spot of Ricky Vanasco, who was recalled when Bobby Miller was optioned to Triple-A. Vanasco has yet to pitch since being recalled, and he has only made one appearance with the Dodgers this season.
The Dodgers will also need to make room for a starting pitcher after the break, and it seems River Ryan may be a possibility to make his MLB debut. That would also require another 40-man roster spot.
Nick Ramirez seems like a DFA candidate as the Dodgers have optioned him five times this season, meaning they would not be able to option him again without him clearing waivers anyways.
The 34-year-old also holds a 6.35 ERA in 11.1 innings with just four strikeouts.
