Michael Grove will miss the start of the 2025 season due to a lingering shoulder injury. The reliever is behind in his offseason throwing program. His absence adds more complexity to the Dodgers’ bullpen, which is already dealing with other injured pitchers. Newly acquired arms will play key roles, and starters may shift to the bullpen.
Michael Grove’s shoulder setback delays his season start
Michael Grove’s journey to the 2025 season has hit a speed bump. The 28-year-old reliever is about a month behind in his offseason throwing program after suffering a shoulder injury during the 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the San Diego Padres. The injury forced him off the Dodgers’ playoff roster last year, and it seems recovery is taking longer than expected.
While Roberts didn’t give a specific diagnosis or timeline for Grove’s return, it’s clear the right-hander still has some work to do before stepping back on the mound.
What Michael Grove’s absence means for the Dodgers’ bullpen
Grove’s setback adds another layer of complexity to the Dodgers’ bullpen situation. He’s not the only pitcher on the sidelines — Michael Kopech is still recovering from forearm inflammation, and Brusdar Graterol is just a few months removed from shoulder surgery.
That leaves the Dodgers with some decisions to make. Newly acquired arms Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates are expected to handle high-leverage roles, but there are still a few open spots in the pen.
Don’t be surprised if some starting pitchers who miss out on a rotation spot, like Dustin May or Landon Knack, slide into the bullpen to fill the gaps.
What’s Next for Michael Grove?
Once Grove is healthy, he’s likely to stay in a bullpen role, especially with the Dodgers’ stacked rotation now featuring Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. But securing a long-term spot won’t be easy — he’ll need to prove himself all over again once he’s back.
For now, the Dodgers are keeping a close eye on his rehab. While there’s no set return date yet, Grove’s journey back to the mound will be one to watch as the season unfolds.
The Dodgers’ bullpen may be a bit of a puzzle right now, but come Opening Day, they’ll have to make it work — with or without Michael Grove.
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