Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol pitched his first competitive inning since spring training on Friday, a scoreless frame for the Dodgers’ Arizona Complex League affiliate.
The start of a minor league rehabilitation assignment marks a huge step forward for Graterol, who has missed the entire season to this point with inflammation in his right shoulder.
Earlier Friday, Roberts said the right-hander had progressed far enough in his throwing program to start a rehab assignment after the All-Star break. Count Friday’s game as a pleasant surprise. Roberts told reporters in Detroit that a return to the Dodgers’ bullpen by the end of July “is a possibility, which is encouraging” for the pitcher.