Dodgers News: Daniel Hudson and Brusdar Graterol injuries, more pitching updates

The Los Angeles Dodgers were riding high after Wednesday night's win. They rebounded from Tuesday's disaster and got big-time production from Daniel Hudson, who logged his third inning of the season after not pitching for a full calendar year.

Hudson shut the door on the Pirates and notched the save. He was emotional after the game, talking about how much it meant to him to finally get back on the field after a lengthy recovery process from a torn ACL and ankle tendinitis.

Then, less than 24 hours later, it was discovered Hudson suffered a sprained MCL in his other knee. He'll miss a significant amount of time, which, fans would have to wonder, puts his 2023 season in jeopardy. Brutal news. And another sunk cost for the Dodgers.

Hudson was shaping up to hopefully be a bullpen stabilizer behind Evan Phillips, something the Dodgers hadn't had all year. Instead, LA finds itself down Hudson ... and more. Some way to follow up the Dustin May news, huh?

Yency Almonte hit the paternity list, which will leave the Dodgers a man down for at least the next few games -- if not through the All-Star break. And perhaps even worse, their next best bullpen arm at the moment is dealing with an injury. Manager Dave Robrts said Brusdar Graterol could hit the injured list with shoulder soreness.

Dodgers News: Daniel Hudson, Brusdar Graterol, Landon Knack, Noah Syndergaard

Graterol's status improved since this update, but it's still something worth monitoring. He tested his shoulder with a bullpen session before Thursday's game to see if he could be available. He was apparently fine and was able to pitch the eighth inning in Thursday night's win. But if an IL stint is possible depending on how he feels, fans could get a closer look at at a highly-touted prospect.

The Dodgers promoted Landon Knack (No. 18 per MLB Pipeline) to the taxi squad in the event Graterol goes on the injured list. For the time being, the Dodgers called up Alex Vesia and Nick Robertson to replace Hudson and Almonte on the active roster. Knack will follow pending Graterol's situation.

This news has done a number on the Dodgers' bullpen not too long after the starting rotation was crushed by Clayton Kershaw hitting the IL and May being ruled out for the year (in addition to Tony Gonsolin's struggles).

But want to hear the worst possible short-term solution? Speeding up Noah Syndergaard's timetable to use him out of the bullpen. A legitimate option in real life in 2023.

Syndergaard's been out since early June with a "blister" issue, but everyone knows it was for a mental reset and a mechanical adjustment. Can't imagine drastically shifting his role unexpectedly would help any of that.

MLB News: Jose Altuve to IL, Mets trade for bullpen help

• An oblique issue has landed Jose Altuve on the injured list. It's been a tough year for the Astros' star.
• The Mets traded for Chris Flexen and Trevor Gott, and immediately designated Flexen for assignment.
• Former Dodger Joe Kelly landed on the IL with elbow inflammation. Reunion now very unlikely.
• Mike Trout underwent hamate surgery and will be out for 4-8 weeks, which means an Angels slide could really help the Dodgers in the Shohei Ohtani free agency race.