The Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating a challenging preseason with several key pitchers sidelined by injuries. Manager Dave Roberts has provided updates on the conditions of Brock Stewart, Brusdar Graterol, and Bobby Miller, each at different stages of their recovery. The team is cautiously optimistic about Stewart's return, while the timelines for Graterol and Miller remain less clear as they work through their respective ailments.
Brock Stewart, acquired during the 2025 trade deadline, has been recovering from a right shoulder procedure that limited his play last season. Despite the setback, Roberts shared encouraging news regarding Stewart's progress in Spring Training. Stewart has been performing well in bullpen sessions, focusing on fastballs and showing improved arm and hand speed. The team anticipates he will soon incorporate breaking balls into his regimen, hinting at a potential return not long after opening day, provided his recovery continues smoothly without residual soreness.
The situation with Brusdar Graterol is more ambiguous. The right-hander, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder issue, has yet to throw from the mound this spring. Roberts clarified that while it's not considered a setback, the team is not yet in a position to intensify his training. Graterol is currently limited to playing catch, and his return to mound work is not expected in the immediate future, suggesting a prolonged absence from active play.
Bobby Miller is also contending with a shoulder and arm issue, preventing him from throwing off the mound during Spring Training. Roberts noted the uncertainty surrounding Miller's ramp-up schedule, indicating that the team is still assessing the extent of his soreness. Miller's participation has been slow, and the Dodgers are hoping for a clearer path to his recovery in the coming weeks as they monitor his condition closely.
The Dodgers' pitching depth is being tested early in the preseason with these significant injuries. The team and coaching staff are carefully managing each pitcher's rehabilitation, balancing the urgency of their return with the necessity of ensuring full recovery. The focus remains on strategic reintroduction to avoid further complications and to prepare the bullpen for the demanding season ahead.