After spending more than four months on the injured list with a shoulder issue, Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol‘s return to the majors ended in the worst way possible.
The 25-year-old had to leave the game with a hamstring injury and was helped off the field by teammate Enrique Hernandez.
Graterol threw just eight pitches, allowed one hit and walked one hitter — both of whom came around to score — recording just one out before being forced to exit.
The six-year MLB veteran was visibly emotional as he left the field.
Acquired by the Dodgers in 2020, Graterol has emerged as a key piece of Los Angeles’ bullpen. In 2023, he posted a 1.20 ERA over 67.1 innings, holding opponents to a .218 average against and walking just 4.7 per cent of the hitters he faced.
Graterol has also been excellent in the post-season. He has only allowed four earned runs and two walks in 22.0 innings playoff innings.
The Dodgers announced that Graterol left the game with a right hamstring strain. After the game, manager Dave Roberts said Graterol would go on the injured list and has “a long road back.”