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Dodgers place Brusdar Graterol on IL for ominous reason

Adam Weinrib|
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Brusdar Graterol #48 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is taken out of the game against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 15, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Brusdar Graterol #48 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is taken out of the game against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 15, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Safe to say the Los Angeles Dodgers are still satisfied with the particulars of the Mookie Betts trade, but their bounty just took a hit on Thursday afternoon.

After breaking out during the shortened 2020 season and flashing easy cheese (and an edge) throughout the postseason, reliever Brusdar Graterol had a difficult start to the 2021 season.

He reported to spring training late after battling COVID-19 throughout the offseason, and ramped up in seclusion while the rest of his team headed north for their title defense.

Unfortunately, as often seems to be the case with high-velo arms, the change in his routine might have been disruptive to his overall health.

Graterol was placed on the IL on Thursday with “right forearm tightness,” a precursor to all sorts of terror, and surely has further evaluations ahead of him in the next 24 hours.

Top prospect Edwin Uceta has been recalled.

The Dodgers placed Brusdar Graterol on the IL with forearm tightness.

Forearm tightness could be nothing. It could be a symptom of his late start or overuse, and might be cured with a cortisone shot. Of course (don’t say it), forearm tightness might also be a precursor to Tommy John surgery.

When Uceta appears in a big-league game, the 23-year-old will be making his MLB debut. Most recently, he went 11-2 with a 2.77 ERA across 24 minor-league starts in 2019. Los Angeles is surely excited to add another electric arm to the bullpen mix, which has lost Graterol, David Price and Corey Knebel in recent days.

This is certainly not the cost they’d hoped would lead to such a move, though.

Graterol was activated on April 18 as Gavin Lux hit the IL, and made his debut later that afternoon against the San Diego Padres.

Unfortunately, Year 2 is very much on hold for an electric arm that could’ve added continued juice to this rivalry in 2021.

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