Get to know the Herd: Juan Graterol
Appearing in 32 games throughout 2021, Juan Graterol has been one of the key veterans on the Bisons' roster. Making a difference with his bat, and being a great defensive asset, Graterol has been one of the best two-player players on the Herd’s roster, fortifying the catcher position when called
Appearing in 32 games throughout 2021, Juan Graterol has been one of the key veterans on the Bisons' roster. Making a difference with his bat, and being a great defensive asset, Graterol has been one of the best two-player players on the Herd’s roster, fortifying the catcher position when called upon.
Batting .299 on the season, with 16 runs batted, Graterol has proven to be a consistent threat to opposing defenses. The veteran has struck out just 16 times while averaging a hit per game. Not to mention only posting one error in the field, it is easy to see why Graterol has carved out a spot in the Buffalo lineup.
The veteran played just ten games in May, filling in for the young prospect, Riley Adams, but when his number was called upon, he proved his worth. Batting .441 in those ten games, Graterol was efficient at the plate. The veteran struck out just five times while knocking in seven runs during the ten-game span.
Perhaps Graterol’s most impressive game came against the Worcester Red Sox on May 19th. Going 2-for-3 at the plate, while knocking in two runs during the Herds 4-1 win of the Woo Sox, Graterol hit the homer that pushed Buffalo past Worcester. Not to mention, the veteran catcher called the signals behind the plate for Alek Manoah, who pitched six innings and struck out ten batters.
June was a busier month for the veteran catcher, who played 15 games for the Herd. With a revolving door behind the plate due to injuries at various levels of the Blue Jays organization, Graterol was heavily relied on to be the Bisons' backstop.
During his 55 at-bats in June, the veteran struck out just six times at the plate, while producing 13 hits for the Herd. The Buffalo lineup began to heat up, only losing three games in their final three series of June, and Graterol was the club’s main catcher for that span.
Another great game for the veteran came in June. Batting 2-for-3 at the plate, with two runs batted in, Graterol helped power Buffalo’s 5-2 win over Syracuse. The veteran catcher also called the signals behind the plate for TJ Zeuch, who pitched seven innings and allowed just two runs.
In a year where it seems the Bisons have a revolving door on the mound and behind the plate due to injuries, Graterol has been the one consistent asset that the Herd can count on to do a great job.