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The Dodgers’ hard-throwing reliever is dealing with a shoulder injury “week to week.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a handful of roster moves on Thursday afternoon, just hours before they took on the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.

Those moves include Brusdar Graterol returning to the injured list with right shoulder inflammation and recalling right-handed pitcher Ben Casparius.

Graterol has been dealing with a lingering shoulder problem since spring training and now his regular season is over. His status for the postseason is unknown.

The 26-year-old has been a key part of the Dodgers bullpen since returning from a hamstring injury on September 10th. In seven appearances, he has given up just three hits and two runs in 7.1 innings, with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Thursday that Graterol is struggling with the injury “week to week.”

“He’s been battling it since spring training,” Roberts told reporters, including Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. “Obviously there are some things going on in the shoulder.”

Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reported that the substitute was in so much pain that he was unable to play catch after his last appearance on Tuesday.

Casparius, a 2021 fifth-round pick, made his major league debut on August 31. With Graterol now out with a shoulder injury, Casparius could unexpectedly find himself in the running for a spot on the Dodgers’ postseason roster.

The 25-year-old has appeared in two games for the Dodgers this season, giving up one run over four innings. He also gave up three hits, two walks and five strikeouts.

Los Angeles also activated catcher Austin Barnes from the injured list and optioned catcher Hunter Feduccia to the minors on Thursday.

Barnes landed on the injured list on September 16 after breaking his left big toe. Despite breaking the same toe in two different places in recent months, he has only missed at least 10 days each time, including a previous IL stint in August.

The 34-year-old, who serves as Will Smith’s backup, has posted a .261 batting average, .327 on-base percentage and .306 slugging percentage in 134 at-bats this season.

The 27-year-old Feduccia appeared in five games this season and was the team’s third-best catcher.

In Thursday’s series finale against the Padres, Smith will start behind the plate catching Walker Buehler as the Dodgers have a chance to clinch the National League West title.

By Jasper

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