Laker legend Magic Johnson praises Dodgers' $2M strikeout reliever after impressive Padres outing
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a weekend sweep of their division rival, the San Diego Padres. After a stretch where it looked like they were starting to lose their way, the Dodgers have seemingly turned the page and returned to form. One of the major concerns lately has been the bullpen—and things aren't getting better, with Brusdar Graterol likely out for the rest of the season.
'Graterol underwent surgery after the World Series to repair the labrum in his right shoulder. It's a major procedure with a long timetable for recovery, and Graterol was not expected to pitch this year before the All-Star break. Unsurprisingly, the Dodgers placed Graterol on the injured list in March. Although Graterol had reported to the Dodgers' Camelback Ranch complex in Arizona to begin his rehab, manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday the pitcher has not been cleared to begin a throwing program. Now, Roberts said, it appears unlikely Graterol will have enough time to pitch in 2025,' SI's JP Hoornstra reported.
There is some bullpen help on the way, but it's not all encouraging. Michael Kopech is currently on a rehab assignment, though his recent outing was far from promising.
'Dodgers Michael Kopech's inning for OKC — faced 6 batters, gave up 2 hits, 2 SBs, walked two, threw a wild pitch. Charged with 3 runs in 2/3 IP. 24 pitches only 10 strikes,' Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.
Despite the bullpen issues, there were positive signs during the Padres series. After the sweep, former Lakers star Magic Johnson gave a shoutout to reliever Alex Vesia.
'Mookie Betts hit the game winning home run today as my Dodgers swept the Padres and took a two-game lead in the Division. Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages added home runs in today's 5-4 victory and Alex Vesia did great in relief,' Johnson posted.
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Johnson's shoutout to Vesia highlighted a rare bright spot in a bullpen that has struggled lately. Vesia appeared twice over the weekend, throwing nearly two innings in relief. For both Vesia and the Dodgers, this series could mark a much-needed turning point in what's been a shaky stretch for the bullpen.
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